A young Union officer occupies the center of this albumen CDV, presented in a full-length standing pose against a plain studio backdrop consistent with Civil War-era portrait practice. The image dates to the 1861 to 1865 period based on uniform details and the albumen printing process. No photographer's imprint is visible.

The officer wears a double-breasted frock coat with a single row of nine buttons, shoulder straps denoting junior officer rank, and a waist belt with an eagle plate buckle. A light cavalry saber with a brass guard and white sword knot hangs at his left hip, and his right hand rests at his side holding a pair of gloves. To his left, a draped studio table holds a kepi bearing crossed-cannon insignia, confirming his artillery branch affiliation.

The crossed-cannon device on the kepi is the standard U.S. Army artillery branch insignia used throughout the Civil War period, placing this officer firmly within the Union field artillery arm. His trimmed beard and composed expression project the confidence typical of officers sitting for formal portrait commissions during active service.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer