See the Orignial Civil War Paintings @ the MET

Oil paintings from 1852-77 depicting the years just prior to, during and after our Country's Civil War are at the MET.  The serene landscapes painted in the years looming before the War depict ominous demon clouds on the horizon.  The 1st Civil War painting is a of an unfurling tattered flag;  1861.  The horrors on the battlefield are not as prevalent as are sombre moments of respite in both the Confederate & Union camps.  There is a painting of 3 Black Union soldiers sleeping against a tent in the early morning sunshine that is quietly disturbing as is a sunset painting of  a Confederate soldier standing guard amongst cannons. There are few paintings relating directly to slavery.  George Washington's home is painted from back with slaves in his yard.  This painting alludes to the disingenuous foundation laid by our Founding Fathers.  The albumen prints that have survived depict the carnage of fallen Confederate soldiers & the vast destruction of southern cities and land.  There is a painting of the  Reconstruction paintings were optismitic & poignant.  I was drawn to the painting of 2 young boys clad in opposing military garb sitting side by side in the woods.  The post Civil War Paintings return to bucolic landscapes featuring optimistic images with rainbows & haloes of light.  I strongly recommend seeing the paintings/prints from the Civil War years that captures our turbulent history.  This is an important educational exhibt designed for reflection.