Artwork
Canon on Display
Canon on Display is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist The Photographic Establishment of the War Department. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1858 photograph, produced by the Photographic Establishment of the War Department, captures a cannon on display outdoors.
Subject & Meaning
The cannon is the primary subject, shown in detail with its barrel pointing right, accompanied by two small piles of cannonballs. The surrounding environment, including other cannons and a possible bridge or building, provides context for its display.
Technique & Style
Rendered in sepia tone, the photograph exemplifies the Realism movement's focus on realistic and detailed representation of everyday objects and scenes.
History & Provenance
The image was created by the Photographic Establishment of the War Department in 1858, indicating its origins in early military or governmental documentation practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
The Photographic Establishment of the War Department
These are crisp black-and-white photos made for the U.S. War Department around 1858. They show pontoon bridges being built and cannons lined up like specimens, all recorded with the earliest portable darkroom equipment.…
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