Full-length standing studio portrait albumen CDV. [ca. April-May 1861]. A magnificent, rare group study capturing a soldier in the distinctive dress uniform of the 7th New York State Militia (NYSM) or a matching high-status early-war militia unit. Attired in a light gray coat with intricate dark chest piping, matching trousers with a dark stripe, a forage cap, white crossbelts, and fringed epaulets, he stands with his arm wrapped around a woman dressed in a rich, dark velvet gown and a lace hair snood. He gazes tenderly into her face while holding a long rifled musket vertically behind them. A packed knapsack with an attached rolled blanket rests on the studio floor next to an ornate patterned curtain drape. The reverse is entirely clean, featuring a flat, unclipped mount profile.

This exceptional early-war albumen CDV stands as an emotionally charged masterpiece of Civil War portraiture. Posed with theatrical elegance in a home-front studio, the image captures a deeply personal and poignant farewell scene between a natty militiaman and his companion just prior to his departure for the front. 

This image perfectly encapsulates early-war sentimentality, transitioning the raw reality of mobilization into a highly stylized work of art. While individual and group soldier portraits are standard fare, formal sittings capturing the intimate, cinematic moment of departure between a romantic couple are incredibly scarce. 

The inclusion of the soldier's full campaign kit neatly resting against the background drape acts as a powerful silent narrative, reminding the viewer of the immediate danger awaiting him. The exceptional composition, paired with the pristine definition of his specialized militia dress uniform and her period civilian attire, perfectly explains why this striking portrait held a place of honor as an absolute favorite within the Carlile collection.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards] [Civil War, Union, Confederate]

The print is in excellent condition, exhibiting strong contrast, rich depth, and remarkable clarity. The mount is structurally sound and square, showing only nominal, age-appropriate light edge toning.