Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Battery B, Petersburg, Virginia 1864

This photograph, taken by renowned photographer Timothy O'Sullivan during the Civil War in 1864, captures a moment of quiet tension as members of the Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Battery B, stand around their cannons in Petersburg, Virginia. The image is a powerful reminder of the scale and impact of the conflict. It depicts the everyday lives of soldiers during the war, highlighting the routine aspects of camp life while also hinting at the ever-present threat of battle. The overall composition, with its distant horizon and emphasis on the figures, emphasizes the soldier's place within the larger context of war, making it a captivating example of Civil War photography.