An Incident at Libby Prison.

[Robert Gray]

The Compassionate Enemy by Julian Scott
1879
Bennington Museum, Bennington, VT
Bequest of Hall Park McCullough

One of Scott's greatest artistic gifts was his ability to paint pictures that are imbued with the humanity of those who participated in the war. In this painting Scott, whose own brother almost died of starvation at Libby Prison, depicts a Confederate guard at Libby making a furtive glance before he passes a piece of bread through the barred window to Union prisoners inside.

 

[lupaglupa]

Great painting. And such a nice museum too - this gives me good excuse to make a visit!

 

[JOHN42768]

Humanity existed in the inhumanity.

 

[Geowassung]

Thank you for the post. I will have to look for more of his work.

 

[TravellingVol]

It looks as though you can see knitting patterns on the sleeve. Interesting detail to see him wearing a sweater instead of a uniform jacket.