Colonel C. E. S. Wood 1891 - 1898

Olin Levi Warner made this bronze relief portrait of Colonel C.E.S. Wood, sometime in the late 19th century. This artwork embodies the complex cultural landscape of post-Civil War America. The image presents us with a military figure who was also a lawyer, writer, and advocate for Native American rights. Wood’s multifaceted identity reflects the shifting social and political currents of the time. Warner's portrait can be understood within the context of American memorial culture. The bronze medium and classical profile lend the piece an air of historical importance. Yet, it also seems to challenge the traditional heroic image. Wood was a controversial figure. His advocacy on behalf of native populations put him at odds with the U.S. government. The artwork invites reflection on the politics of representation and the role of public figures in shaping national identity. To learn more, historians might consult military records, literary archives, and Native American advocacy documents. Understanding this artwork means examining the complex social and institutional forces that shaped both the sitter and the artist.