General Order No. 11 1868

George Caleb Bingham completed "General Order No. 11" using oil on canvas, a traditional medium for historical paintings. The smooth surface and blending of colors achieved with oil paint create a sense of refinement, yet also serve to heighten the drama of the unfolding scene. Bingham's careful brushwork lends a sense of realism to the figures, emphasizing their emotional states. The medium also allows for a detailed rendering of the material culture of the time, from clothing to the tools of forced displacement. This attention to detail brings a sense of immediacy to the painting, inviting viewers to reflect on the social and political consequences of the Civil War. The painting’s size indicates the scale of the historical event portrayed. Bingham directly confronts the devastation caused by war, prompting us to question the narrative of progress often associated with traditional artistic depictions. His masterful use of materials serves not only to document history, but also to challenge our understanding of it.