Robert Gould Shaw Memorial c. 1973 - 2008

Richard Benson made this photograph of the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial at an unknown date using photogravure. The memorial commemorates Colonel Shaw, who led the first all-Black volunteer regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, during the Civil War. Benson’s print captures the emotional complexity and the historic importance of this monument. The memorial was created in a period of Reconstruction, amidst ongoing racial tensions and debates about citizenship and equality. It represents a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting the courage and sacrifice of African American soldiers who fought for their freedom. The photogravure technique used by Benson lends the image a depth and texture that invites contemplation of themes of heroism, identity, and collective memory. Benson’s choice of medium speaks to a desire to engage with the past in a tangible way, underscoring the continued relevance of the Civil War and its aftermath in contemporary dialogues about race and justice. It prompts us to consider whose stories are told, and how they are remembered.