Headquarters, 10th Army Corps, Hatcher's Farm, Virginia 1861 - 1865

Andrew Joseph Russell created this albumen print, depicting the headquarters of the 10th Army Corps at Hatcher's Farm, Virginia, during the American Civil War. Photography in the 19th century involved a labor-intensive process, requiring careful preparation of glass plates, exposure in the field, and meticulous development in a darkroom. The albumen print, popular at the time, used egg whites to bind the photographic chemicals to the paper. The resulting image, with its detailed clarity and tonal range, offers a snapshot of military life, showing the tents, horses, and personnel that made up the Union Army's infrastructure. Russell's photograph goes beyond documentation; the arrangement of elements, the stark contrast between light and shadow, and the composition overall imbue the image with a sense of the hard work and human cost that went into the war effort. By considering the materials, the making, and the context, we gain a richer appreciation of the photograph as both a historical record and a work of art.