Civil War Battle Scene: A Moment of Decision

Robert J. Titterton writes of the present work, "The scene centers around two prone infantrymen who aim their rifles into the distance; a third soldier hides in the forest cover. An officer looks over them and beyond, poised to lead an attack. Behind the group, a youth clutches a brass bugle to his chest anticipating the order to signal a charge. Though the figures are static in their covered position, the apprehended action produces an aura of tension. As the viewer examines this intimate grouping, he gains the opportunity to enter their confidence. With faces spot-lighted to show individual expressions, one feels the heat of battle in their eyes. The imagery elevates the art of portraiture by communicating emotion. With this dramatic scene, attention is subtly directed away from the men to a unique focal point. A shaft of light in the highest key pierces the forest canopy, illuminating a hastily abandoned meal of hardtack lying crumbled amid the grass and leaves. Scott's exposure to the Southwestern sun made him conscious of the power of light itself." (Julian Scott: Artist of the Civil War and Native America, Jefferson, North Carolina, 1997, p. 284)