2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
Brilliant Color chromolithograph, 23-1/2" x 17", 1887, depicting the terror and confusion of an advancing Union regiment, crowned by the Union flag, during the Battle of Antietam. Probably more United States flags flew in combat during the American Civil War than any other conflict, but their use was not merely to identify the nationality of the combatants. They also served a very functional role. In the smoke and din of battle, these large military colors were often all that could be seen on the battlefield. They provided the focal point for guiding a military unit; if the flag advanced, so did the regiment; if the flag fell back, the unit fell back and rallied upon it. Because these flags were important communication tools, they drew an inordinate amount of hostile fire, as testified by the oft-shredded remains that have been deposited in state houses throughout the North after the Civil War. Louis Prang was the 'father of the American Christmas card'. Prang was a German immigrant who rose to fame after establishing a successful printing and lithography company in Boston during the late 19th century producing all manner of commercial, artistic and even documentary images. Prang became well known for his Civil War battle maps printed in then contemporary newspapers)
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