Civil War Collage c. 1860 - 1870

"Civil War Collage" is an anonymous work of art created between 1860 and 1870, currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. This collage, composed of numerous individual portraits, likely depicts a family or community during the American Civil War, capturing the era's emotional impact through a collection of personal stories. The collage is a poignant testament to the human cost of conflict, showcasing the diverse faces of those who lived through this turbulent period. The artist, who remains unknown, used the medium of collage to create a visually compelling narrative of the war’s impact on individuals. The work evokes the feelings of unity and personal loss that characterized the Civil War era.