[Ruins of the Arsenal, Richmond, Virginia, after Evacuations] 1865

"Ruins of the Arsenal, Richmond, Virginia, after Evacuations," taken in 1865 by Alexander Gardner, is a haunting photograph capturing the aftermath of the American Civil War. The image depicts a brick building ravaged by fire, with gaping window holes and crumbled walls, offering a stark reminder of the destruction wrought by the conflict. Gardner, a renowned photographer who documented the war, captured the scene with a detached yet poignant sensibility, providing a powerful testament to the devastating impact of the war. This photograph, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a historical document and a powerful visual reminder of the consequences of war.