New York State Militia, 1st Division, 9th Regiment, 3rd Brigade

Art Historical Context

In 1853, German-American lithographer Otto Boetticher captured the and precision of the New York Stateia’s 1st Division, 9th Regiment, 3rd Brigade in this hand-colored lithograph on wove paper. Measuring about 10 by 8 inches, the image likely depicts uniformed soldiers in formation, emblematic of the volunteer militias that played a vital role in ante America. These citizen-soldiers symbolized civic duty and readiness amid growing sectional tensions leading to the Civil War, reflecting New York City's vibrant martial culture. Boetticher, renowned for his detailed military portraits, employed lithography—a revolutionary 19th-century printing technique allowing mass reproduction of intricate designs from stone plates. The hand-applied colors bring vivid life to the soldiers' blue coats, brass buttons, and flags, enhancing the print's appeal as an affordable commemorative piece for proud regiments and families. Wove paper, smooth and sturdy, ensured durability for display. Now part of the National Gallery of Art’s Corcoran Collection, this work offers a window into mid-19th-century patriotism and the artistry of early color printing, reminding us how images fostered unity in a divided nation.