Counterfeit Confederate Notes Publicly Offered for Sale in the "City of Brotherly Love" (from Confederate War Etchings) 1861 - 1863

Adalbert John Volck created this etching, "Counterfeit Confederate Notes Publicly Offered for Sale in the 'City of Brotherly Love'," sometime during the Civil War. The scene, rendered in fine, precise lines, depicts a street corner with figures engaged in what seems to be a clandestine transaction. Volck employs linear perspective, focusing on the receding planes of the buildings. This structure creates a stage-like space, drawing our attention to the interplay between the characters. The contrasting textures—smooth facades versus the detailed cross-hatching that defines shadows and clothing—add depth and intrigue. Volck's technical precision undermines any sense of the heroic. Instead, he presents a satirical commentary on the political and economic landscape of the era. This etching becomes a critical statement, challenging viewers to question the values and ideologies driving the conflict. It prompts us to consider how artistic forms can subtly destabilize established narratives.