Where can I see Ohio Civil War soldier Hanson J. Cochran with Colt revolver?

Ohio Civil War soldier Hanson J. Cochran with Colt revolver is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Ohio Civil War soldier Hanson J. Cochran with Colt revolver?

Ohio Civil War soldier Hanson J. Cochran with Colt revolver is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Ohio Civil War soldier Hanson J. Cochran with Colt revolver

Ohio Civil War soldier Hanson J. Cochran with Colt revolver is a photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The image is a black‑and‑white photographic portrait titled “Ohio Civil War soldier Hanson J.

About this work

Overview

The photograph is mounted in an ornate gold frame with swirling decorative motifs, and the overall surface bears the patina of age.

The image is a black‑and‑white photographic portrait titled “Ohio Civil War soldier Hanson J. Cochran with Colt revolver.” It shows a single male figure in a dark, buttoned military jacket, holding a compact revolver in one hand and gazing directly at the camera with a solemn expression. The photograph is mounted in an ornate gold frame with swirling decorative motifs, and the overall surface bears the patina of age.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is identified as Hanson J. Cochran, a soldier from Ohio who served during the American Civil War. The inclusion of the Colt revolver underscores his role as an armed combatant, while his steady stare conveys a sense of resolve typical of wartime portraiture, offering a personal glimpse into the individual behind the broader conflict.

Technique & Style

Captured on early photographic paper, the portrait employs the high‑contrast tonal range characteristic of mid‑19th‑century studio photography. The subject is illuminated from the front, rendering the uniform’s texture and the metal of the revolver clearly, while the background remains neutral, focusing attention on the figure and his equipment.

History & Provenance

The photograph dates from the Civil War period, as indicated by the soldier’s uniform and weaponry. It has survived in a condition that shows signs of fading and wear, typical of archival materials from the era. The gold frame, likely added later, reflects a historical practice of enhancing photographic prints for display.

Context

During the 1860s, photographic portraiture became a common means for soldiers and their families to document service. Images such as this one served both as personal mementos and as visual records of the individuals who fought for the Union, situating Cochran within the larger narrative of Ohio’s contribution to the war effort.