McPherson & Oliver

American, active 1860s

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This is a photograph of a large group of people gathered outdoors. The scene includes many individuals sitting and standing in an open area in front of several wooden buildings. Some are seated on the ground, while others stand nearby or sit on benches. The attire suggests an earlier period, with long dresses, headscarves, and structured clothing. The background is lined with trees with sparse leaves. The atmosphere seems communal, with people gathered possibly for an event or gathering. The setting appears rural, and the sepia tone of the photograph adds a historical ambiance to the scene.
McPherson & Oliver, Refugee Camp, Bullard Plantation, 1864, albumen silver print (carte-de-visite), Ross J. Kelbaugh Collection, Purchased with support from the Ford Foundation, 2023.39.67

Refugee Camp, Bullard Plantation

McPherson & Oliver · 1864 · albumen silver print (carte-de-visite) ·  Accession ID  2023.39.67

This sepia-toned photograph shows the upper half of a man who is seated with his back towards us. The man's head is turned over his left shoulder, allowing us to see his face in profile. He is topless, with dark skin, short, curly hair, and a beard. He sits on a stool with fabric wrapped around his waist and his left hand on his hip. His bare back is covered in overlapping scars that stretch from the bottom of his neck to his hips. The scars are raised and reflect light from an unseen light source. The background is a plain, tan surface, and the photograph is framed by a thin red outline.
McPherson & Oliver, The Scourged Back, c. 1863, albumen silver print (carte-de-visite), Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund, 2018.95.2

The Scourged Back

McPherson & Oliver · c. 1863 · albumen silver print (carte-de-visite) ·  Accession ID  2018.95.2

The image depicts a seated man with his legs crossed on a wooden chair. He has a focused expression, prominent facial features, and short hair. The man wears a cap, a tattered jacket, a worn-out shirt, and pants with tears. The chair is simple, and the background is plain with light-colored fabric.
"Regular Contraband", c. 1863, albumen silver print (carte-de-visite), Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund, 2018.95.3

"Regular Contraband"

· c. 1863 · albumen silver print (carte-de-visite) ·  Accession ID  2018.95.3