Full-length seated studio portrait albumen CDV. Boston, MA: L. H. Hale, Photographer, 293 Washington St., [circa 1862-1863]. Photographer's imprint to mount verso. Modern pencil inscriptions to mount verso read: "COL SAMUEL H. LEONARD / 13TH MASS / WIA GETTYSBURG / 7-1-1863."

This striking seated portrait captures Colonel Samuel H. Leonard of the 13th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Leonard is posed dramatically with his military greatcoat draped over his shoulders, revealing a double-breasted officer's frock coat. Notably, his sleeves feature elaborate Austrian knot braiding, a stylish martial flourish often associated with early-war militia units like the Boston-based 4th Battalion of Rifles, from which the 13th Massachusetts was initially formed. He holds his slouch hat in his lap and wears tall riding boots. The image offers a superb and crisp visual study of this distinguished officer.

As commander of the 13th Massachusetts, Colonel Samuel H. Leonard led his men into the desperate fighting on the very first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Positioned on Oak Ridge as part of the Union First Corps, the regiment faced overwhelming Confederate assaults. During this stubborn defense, which bought crucial time for the rest of the Union Army to consolidate on the high ground south of town, Leonard was severely wounded. He survived his injuries but the lingering effects ultimately led to his discharge for disability in early 1864. Portraits of regimental commanders who shed blood during the critical opening phases of Gettysburg are highly prized by military historians and collectors alike.

[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, Stereographs] [Civil War, Union, Confederate]

The image is in very good condition. The albumen surface exhibits a rich tonality with excellent contrast, beautifully highlighting the folds of his greatcoat and the intricate braiding on his sleeves.