John Kinsey, also recorded as Kinsy, of the 4th Georgia Infantry sits for a sixth plate tintype portrait made during the Civil War era, housed in a leather case with an embossed scrollwork exterior and a gilt brass mat framing the image beneath an oval opening lined in red fabric. The subject is identified by inscription written inside the case and confirmed in the Civil War Data Base under the spelling John Kinsey. He wears a nine-button Confederate frock coat with a standing collar, his dark hair worn long to the ears, a full beard, and a composed, direct expression as he rests one hand open across his knee.

The 4th Georgia Infantry served in Doles' Brigade under Brig. Gen. George Doles, assigned to Rodes' Division, formerly D.H. Hill's, under Maj. Gen. Robert E. Rodes, and fought in major engagements including Gettysburg and Chancellorsville. A family inscription behind the image states Kinsey was killed in action at Pittsburg Landing in 1863, consistent with the Civil War Data Base record of his death that year.

Inscription written inside the case identifies the subject as John Kinsy (Kinsey), 4th GA Infantry, Rodes Division, Doles' Brigade. A typed note and a piece of cotton are also present behind the image. No photographer's imprint is visible.