Alexander Gardner

American, born Scotland, 1821 - 1882

Explore selected works

See all 106 works of art
This is a photograph of an album cover. The cover features the title "Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War" embossed in gold in the center. The background of the cover is a textured dark material, possibly leather. There is an ornate gold border running along the edges of the cover. The large initials "P" and "S" are included within an emblem between the words "Photographic" and "Sketch Book." The use of gold embossing against the dark cover creates a striking contrast, drawing attention to the title and decorative elements.
Alexander Gardner, Philp & Solomons, Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War (Volume 2), 1866, bound volume of 50 albumen silver prints, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2019.14.1.51-100

Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War (Volume 2)

Alexander Gardner, Philp & Solomons · 1866 · bound volume of 50 albumen silver prints ·  Accession ID  2019.14.1.51-100

This is a photograph of the cover of a book titled "Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War." The cover is made of a dark textured material, possibly leather, which has weathered over time, showing subtle signs of wear and scratches. The title is displayed in gold lettering in the center. The words "PHOTOGRAPHIC SKETCH BOOK" are highlighted within a decorative scroll design. An ornamental border in gold frames the entirety of the cover.
Alexander Gardner, Philp & Solomons, Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War (Volume 1), 1866, bound volume of 50 albumen silver prints, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2019.14.1.1-50

Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War (Volume 1)

Alexander Gardner, Philp & Solomons · 1866 · bound volume of 50 albumen silver prints ·  Accession ID  2019.14.1.1-50

This is a photograph of a large crowd gathered at a formal event in front of a building with classical architecture. The image captures a historic scene with a densely packed assembly of individuals spread across different levels of an outdoor platform. The background shows a building with tall columns and ornate architectural details. A large flag is draped near the building's facade. The individuals are dressed in formal attire. The elevated platform in the center is crowded with people who appear to be observing or participating in the event, while the foreground is filled with an audience looking towards the platform.
Alexander Gardner, The Second Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, Washington, DC, March 4, 1865, albumen silver print, Gift of Funds from Ronald M. Costell, M.D. and the Estate of Marsha E. Swiss, 2025.44.20

The Second Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, Washington, DC

Alexander Gardner · March 4, 1865 · albumen silver print ·  Accession ID  2025.44.20

The image shows two men sitting indoors. The man on the left is sitting in a wooden chair, facing the man on the right. He has light-colored hair, is wearing a dark jacket, vest, shirt, necktie, and lighter-colored trousers. The man on the right has a fuller beard and mustache, with medium-length hair, and is wearing a dark three-piece suit. A small table with two books on top is placed between them. The background is plain with a textured surface.
Alexander Gardner, The Politics and Poetry of New England, 1863, albumen silver print (carte-de-visite), Gift of Funds from Robert B. Menschel and the Vital Projects Fund, 2022.174.4

The Politics and Poetry of New England

Alexander Gardner · 1863 · albumen silver print (carte-de-visite) ·  Accession ID  2022.174.4

This is a black-and-white photograph of a war-torn landscape with a fallen figure on the ground. The scene is characterized by rough terrain of rocks and muddy, uneven earth. In the center of the image, a figure is lying flat among the grass and dirt, with a gun laying on the ground next to them. They have light skin, dark hair, and a dark jacket open to show a white shirt. There are many shapes in the background that could be other bodies or the remnants of clothing or belongings.
Alexander Gardner, A Sharpshooter's Last Sleep, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1863, albumen silver print, Gift of Mary and Dan Solomon and Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2006.133.73

A Sharpshooter's Last Sleep, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Alexander Gardner · July 1863 · albumen silver print ·  Accession ID  2006.133.73

The image shows a group of around eighteen to twenty individuals in a sepia-toned photograph. They are situated near a wooden structure with a door at the center. Some people are seated on the ground with legs crossed, while others are standing or sitting on a step or a bench. The individuals are looking towards the camera with neutral or solemn expressions. They wear long dresses, shirts, trousers, headscarves, bonnets, and hats. The background features a wooden wall made from horizontal planks and the ground appears to be dirt or possibly straw-covered. No jewelry or objects are visible, and the people are arranged closely together in a group.
Alexander Gardner, James F. Gibson, Taylor & Huntington, Refugees, May 14, 1862, stereoscopic albumen silver prints, Ross J. Kelbaugh Collection, Purchased with support from the Ford Foundation, 2023.39.58

Refugees

Alexander Gardner, James F. Gibson, Taylor & Huntington · May 14, 1862 · stereoscopic albumen silver prints ·  Accession ID  2023.39.58

""

Dedication of Monument of Bull Run Battlefield, Manassas, Virginia

Alexander Gardner, William Morris Smith, Philp & Solomons · June 1865, published 1866 · albumen print ·  Accession ID  2019.14.1.100

""

The Pulpit, Fort Fisher, North Carolina

Alexander Gardner, Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Philp & Solomons · January 1865, published 1866 · albumen print ·  Accession ID  2019.14.1.79

""

Blandford Church, Petersburg, Virginia

Alexander Gardner, Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Philp & Solomons · April 1865, published 1866 · albumen print ·  Accession ID  2019.14.1.85

""

View of the Petersburg Gas Works, Virginia

Alexander Gardner, Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Philp & Solomons · May 1865, published 1866 · albumen print ·  Accession ID  2019.14.1.81

Bibliography

1989

  • Ref Number: 1989.487.
    Greenough.1989.487.