An individual large-format vignette albumen photograph, circa 1865. Presented on its original, heavy cream-colored card mount featuring an elegant double-ruled red border framing the image. The lower margin of the mount displays a beautifully executed, period red-ink identification inscription.

A visually stunningt large-format gallery portrait of Captain and Brevet Major William Henry Harrison Benyaud of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The crisp vignette captures the young officer in a sharp, regular army double-breasted frock coat, accented by crisp captain’s shoulder straps. He possesses a distinguished, neatly trimmed beard and a resolute gaze, presenting a phenomenal likeness of a staff officer who operated at the top of Union engineering operations during the final drives of the war.

The historical importance of this portrait is anchored by the ornate period inscription written directly onto the lower margin of the mount: W. H. H. Benyaud. / Capt. Eng'r Corps / Bt' Major U.S.A. An 1863 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Benyaud was immediately commissioned into the elite Corps of Engineers. He was thrown into the crucible of the Western Theater, quickly distinguishing himself during the grueling Vicksburg Campaign. His tactical brilliance came to the forefront during the 1864 Red River Campaign, where he served as a pivotal engineering officer constructing vital pontoon bridges under fire to save the federal fleet. Benyaud’s gallantry reached its pinnacle at the Battle of Five Forks on 1 April 1865. Benyaud voluntarily rode into the center of the battlefield to deliver vital orders, rally broken infantry lines, and personally reconnoiter the collapsing Confederate left flank. For his conspicuous gallantry in this decisive action - which shattered Lee's supply lines and forced the evacuation of Petersburg - Benyaud was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Large-format gallery portraits of identified regular army engineers are extraordinarily scarce, as these premium prints were typically produced in very small numbers for West Point classmates or high-level headquarters albums. This is an extremely rare purchasing opportunity. 

Outstanding. The mount exhibits some minor and expected foxing, while the print retains excellent clarity and contrast.