[Civil War View] 1860s

Curator: Before us, we have "[Civil War View]", a gelatin silver print attributed to Thomas C. Roche, likely dating from the 1860s. It's currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: The photograph evokes a starkness, almost desolate. There's a rawness to the image that pulls me in. It’s dominated by this sprawling, skeletal wooden structure rising out of a dark field. Curator: This photograph shows the construction of what was likely a hospital or barracks building during the American Civil War. These massive structures, thrown up quickly, tell us a lot about the logistical realities of war at the time. They needed space to treat and house massive armies. Editor: It's incredible to consider the sheer labor involved in constructing something like this, especially with the tools and technology of the 19th century. The repetitive nature of the beams suggests a kind of mass-production in itself, an industrialization of building even. Curator: Precisely. The repetitive framework, although seemingly simple, served a complex system for the injured. Think of the public role buildings had: even as temporary infrastructures, they reflected social needs and impacted thousands. Editor: The materiality also tells a story of rapid response, where resourcefulness probably trumps refinement. And I am sure it took an incredible amount of hands and human collaboration for even a “temporary” shelter. Curator: It challenges the traditional perception of war photography focusing on the battlefield, presenting the often-overlooked infrastructural aspect and also pointing at civilian participation, such as engineers. What does it tell us of the politics of such imagery if it omits dead soldiers or generals? Editor: Exactly. It's a war photograph that avoids showing the typical heroics or explicit horrors. I can only think about the consumption these wounded, displaced soldiers likely demanded. This hospital must have created ripples through nearby communities for better or worse. Curator: Thank you, this discussion highlighted the role this building occupied. Editor: A truly powerful testament to the tangible dimensions of war beyond the battlefield.