(MILITARY CIVIL WAR) PHOTOGRAPHY PRIVATE GORDON Gordon unde

Sale 2271 - Lot 400A

Price Realized: $ 1,920

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Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000

(MILITARY--CIVIL WAR.) PHOTOGRAPHY. PRIVATE GORDON. "Gordon under Medical Inspection," sometimes called "The Scourged Back." Glass plate photographic "magic lantern" slide, 3-1/4 x 4 inches, in a plain wooden frame; short crack in the lower left corner of the upper glass plate, not impinging on the image Connecticutt: Taylor and Huntington,"Original War Views, 1861-1865, circa 1865-1870

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an example of one of the most famous images of the civil war.The scars on Private Gordon's back are called "keloids," and are particular to people of African descent. Private Gordon escaped from his master and crossed Union lines in March of 1863. He had been beaten unmercifully by his owner on Christmas Day, of 1862. His body was covered with mud from running through the swamp and bayous, and his clothes were torn ragged by thorns and thick brush. In order to throw off the hunting dogs that were sent after him, Gordon had rubbed his body with Onions; more of them were in his pockets. The strong scent served to confuse the dogs. This is one of three photographs taken by New Orleans photographers McPherson and Oliver later appearing in the pages of the July 4th, 1863 issue of Harpers' Weekly. The country was outraged by such barbarism.