Illustrating the War: Selected Engravings from Harpers Weekly and Leslie’s Illustrated Civil War

October 6th-November 27th, 2011

A collection of more than 70 wood engravings, this exhibit provides a broad retelling of the Civil War, which is commemorating its 150th anniversary this year. The exhibition was co-curated by Marie Costello, Interim Director of the Mandeville Gallery, Andrea Foroughi, professor of history, and Joseph Privitera, ’12. The Engravings are divided among a half-dozen categories. One of the featured artists is a Union College alum, Alexander Simplot, Class of 1857. “The engravings and sketches for this exhibit give a sense of how long ago the Civil War took place because one can see that transportation, military technology and clothing having changed significantly in the past 150 years,” Foroughi said. “Yet they also remind us how war itself has many commonalities despite occurring in different times and places because soldiers die, civilians are displaced, and unexpected or unintended change can result.”