The Army of the Potomac

Art Historical Context

Created in 1863 by the lithographic firm J.. Bufford & Co. after a design by John Badger Blder, *The Army of the Potomac captures a pivotal moment in American history. This large-scale lithograph with tint stone—a technique that allowed for subtle, multi-colored tints printed directly from specially prepared stones—depicts the vast Union army renowned for its role in major Civil War campaigns, including the Battles of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville. Bachelder, a noted Civil War panorama artist, specialized in detailed bird's-eye views that brought epic military scenes to life for a home audience, while Bufford's Boston firm excelled in producing affordable, high-quality prints. Measuring over 27 inches wide, the image likely showcases the sprawling encampments, marching columns, and cavalry with horses that defined the Army of the Potomac's might, evoking the scale and drama of the conflict. These lithographs were immensely popular, serving as both patriotic souvenirs and visual records when photography was still emerging. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1947, it exemplifies mid-19th-century printmaking's power to democratize history, making grand spectacles accessible to everyday Americans hungry for news from the front lines.

About the Artist

J. H. Bufford & Co.|John Badger Bachelder (American|American) · 1836 |1835 –1910 |1870

American, Boston, Massachusetts 1836–1910 Prouts Neck, Maine|Boston, Massachusetts