New photography by Pat Cagney captured with a digital camera-2006.

Execution of Captain Wirz, Springing the Trap

Artist Alexander Gardner (American (born Scotland), 1821 - 1882)

DateNovember 10, 1865

MediumAlbumen print

DimensionsOverall, Image: 6 7/8 × 8 7/8 in. (17.5 × 22.5 cm)
Overall, Support: 10 1/2 × 14 1/4 in. (26.7 × 36.2 cm)

ClassificationsPhotography

Credit LineGift of David L. Hack and Museum purchase, with funds from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange

Object number98.32.264

Terms

U.S. Civil War
Men
Military affairs

Collections

Photography

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThe David L. Hack Civil War Photography Collection. This photograph shows the execution of Captain Henry Wirz C.S.A and reads along the bottom "springing the trap." In the foreground is a high wooden platform with a small stool and a man on top pulling the trap. A rope hangs down through the open door but the Captain is not seen in the shot. To the left side a wooden building with many windows is present. Men are collected below the platform watching as well behind the platform on a higher level. In the rear, there are rows of trees and a faint view of the Capitol building. This is from _Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War_ (Hack Collection No. 2].