Portret van Lewis Wallace before 1892

This is an undated portrait of Lewis Wallace, likely made with photographic means. Wallace was a Union General in the American Civil War, lawyer, diplomat, and writer. He is best known for his historical adventure novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Wallace’s life and work are a window into the complexities of 19th-century America. His military service during the Civil War speaks to the deep divisions within the nation over slavery and states' rights, whilst his later diplomatic roles show the U.S.’s expanding presence on the world stage. Ben-Hur, with its themes of redemption and religious faith, resonated widely but also reflected the social and cultural anxieties of the time. How do we reconcile the heroic narrative with the more troubling aspects of history and belief? This portrait invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity, memory, and legacy.