Alexander Gardner
1821–1882 · Scotland / United States
Photographing the places and consequences of war.
The story
After moving from Scotland to the United States, Alexander Gardner worked in Mathew Brady’s circle before opening his own studio. He photographed the American Civil War and political figures, including Abraham Lincoln. His Photographic Sketch Book of the War brings together views by several photographers. The book reminds us that photographic history is shaped by the choice of images, their captions and their arrangement.
Understanding the work
Study the relationship between the caption and the visible details. Assessing a photograph’s documentary value requires examining how it was made and who took each view.
Key works and series
Portraits of Lincoln; Antietam; Gardner’s Photographic Sketch Book of the War.
Sources & further exploration
Works in collections.
10 recordsPhotographs to explore on museum and library websites, with titles, dates and processes. Each link opens the collection record and its image where one is available.
- MoMA · 1861-65
Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. I
Albumen silver prints in two volumes, printed 1865
- MoMA · February, 1863
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Albumen silver print
Timothy O'Sullivan · Alexander Gardner
- MoMA · February, 1863
Provost Marshall's Office, Aquia Creek
Albumen silver print
Timothy O'Sullivan · Alexander Gardner
- MoMA · May 1863
Pontoon Bridge Across the Rappahannock
Albumen silver print
Alexander Gardner · Timothy O'Sullivan
- MoMA · April, 1864
Ruins of Petersburg and Richmond railroad Bridge (across the James)
Albumen silver print
- MoMA · May, 1865
View of the Appomattox River (near Campbell's Bridge, Petersburg, VA)
Albumen silver print
Timothy O'Sullivan · Alexander Gardner
- MoMA · May 1865
Quarters of Men in Fort Sedgwick, Generally Known as Fort Hell
Albumen silver print
Alexander Gardner · Timothy O'Sullivan
