Confederate Fortifications, Petersburg 1864

Timothy O'Sullivan's "Confederate Fortifications, Petersburg" (1864) is a stark photographic documentation of the American Civil War. The image, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures the desolate landscape of the battlefield near Petersburg, Virginia. The photograph focuses on the intricate network of trenches, fortifications, and earthworks constructed by the Confederate army. O'Sullivan's stark portrayal of the scene highlights the destructive impact of war and the strategic nature of the conflict. This image offers a glimpse into the physical environment of the war, providing valuable historical insight for viewers.