The Pulpit, Fort Fisher, N.C. 1865

Curator: This is Timothy O'Sullivan's photograph, "The Pulpit, Fort Fisher, N.C." It shows a group of men amidst the remains of what was once a fortified position. The tones are almost monochromatic, giving it a timeless quality. Editor: It's immediately striking how raw and earth-bound it is. The rough texture of the soil and debris contrasts with the men’s dark coats. You can almost feel the grit. Curator: Exactly. O’Sullivan was documenting the aftermath of the Civil War, capturing not just battles but their material consequences and human toll. This image appeared in "Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War" after the Battle of Fort Fisher in 1865. Editor: The sheer labor involved in building and destroying these fortifications, the energy expended… it's all palpable. Those men are clearly working on deconstruction. Curator: Photography during this period played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the war, influencing both national sentiment and political discourse. Editor: Seeing this raw, unromanticized depiction, the brutal reality of conflict becomes impossible to ignore. Curator: It reminds us that history isn't just about grand narratives; it’s about the concrete experiences of those who lived through it. Editor: And how those experiences are etched into the very earth we stand on.