Reading the Death Warrant
Artist
Alexander Gardner
(American, born Scotland, 1821 - 1882)
Date1865
MediumAlbumen print
DimensionsImage: 6 7/8 x 8 7/8 inches (17.46 x 22.54 cm)
Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Object number2005.27.294
InscribedNo. 2 in a series of five; Gardner credit/copyright on mount.
On View
Not on viewCollections
Terms
Developing Greatness: the Origins of American Photography, 1839-1885. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, June 9 – December 30, 2007, no. 356.
The terrible tragedy of the Civil War was magnified by the assassination of President Lincoln on April 14, 1865, five days after Confederate General Lee's surrender at Appomattox. The conspiracy to kill Lincoln involved more than a dozen people. Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth, was killed trying to elude capture. The others were tried in military court, with four sentenced to hang on July 7, 1865. Alexander Gardner and Timothy O'Sullivan had special permission to record that somber event. They made at least five large-plate views and several stereographs.
Those executed were Mary Surratt, the mother of conspirator John Surratt; Lewis Powell (alias "Payne"); David Herold; and George Atzerodt.
Those executed were Mary Surratt, the mother of conspirator John Surratt; Lewis Powell (alias "Payne"); David Herold; and George Atzerodt.
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