Colonel Wilson

You are viewing an original 1861 print by Winslow Homer of Colonel Wilson of Wilson's Fighting Brigade.  It is from an 1861 edition of Harper's Weekly, the most popular newspaper of the day.  Note that this is not a reprint, and I absolutely guarantee its authenticity. This print is over 140 years old, and the date is clearly marked on the front of the leaf.

The lower right image on the leaf is a drawing of Colonel Wilson, which was done by Winslow Homer.  Homer did the drawing from a photograph by Mathew Brady.  This is an interesting combination, given that Winslow Homer was the most noted artist of the 1800's and Mathew Brady was the most famous photographer of that century.  Winslow Homer got his start with Harper's Weekly doing engravings such as this one.  This is a really nice portrait of Colonel Wilson, a noted Union Commander of the Civil War.  Above the portrait is a fascinating story on Colonel Wilson, and his famous Fighting Brigade.  The back of the leaf contains a variety of interesting stories.

In the upper left of the leaf is a portrait of Colonel Ellsworth of the Fire Zouaves, and an interesting story on him.

Original Winslow Homer material is becoming increasingly difficult to find.  This is one of the lesser known of his drawings, and would make a nice addition to your collection, or a good starting point for a new collection.  

Unlike newsprint of this century, these older, original pages do not yellow and fall apart.  The reason is that modern newspapers use an acid based process.   Remnant acid in the paper causes the paper to quickly yellow and deteriorate.   A different process was used in the mid-1800's which yielded an exceptional quality paper that will last for centuries. Special acid free mats should be used when you frame this piece to ensure that it will last another 150 years.  Acid free mats are available at most better frame shops.  If you have any questions related to handling or framing this piece feel free to email me.  The print is approximately 10 3/4 X 16 inches.  I have been collecting Civil War Newspapers for over 10 years.  It is a fascinating hobby, and I find that these pieces really get noticed when framed and displayed.

The print is in overall good condition. It has the normal sepia toning expected in material from this period.  The margin has finger smudges from folks handling it over the last 130 years.  There is a light amount of foxing in the margin, which can be seen in the image above.  The print is highly displayable, and I guarantee your satisfaction! 

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