Smuggling of Medicines into the South (from Confederate War Etchings) 1861 - 1863

Adalbert John Volck, around the time of the American Civil War, etched this image portraying the clandestine transfer of goods under the cover of night. Note the figures unloading barrels and packages, the furtive gestures, all cast under a crescent moon. This etching is a powerful symbol of resistance and resilience during times of conflict. The act of smuggling itself has ancient roots, appearing in various forms throughout history from the illicit trade routes of the Silk Road to the underground railroads. Consider how, in ancient Greece, Hermes was not only the messenger of the gods but also the patron of thieves and smugglers. Volck captures this duality: a necessary defiance against what is perceived as unjust authority. The emotional weight of this scene lies in its depiction of human determination, the will to survive and provide aid amidst strife. The scene engages with the subconscious desire to overcome the law in times of trouble, and speaks to the cyclical nature of conflict and the human spirit.