An interesting and extremely skillful example of Victorian mourning art- a Civil War carte-de-visite portrait of General John Sedgwick set in an eight-pointed star frame made of one square superimposed on another, with an interior octagon, all formed with bands of thread showing as dark and light blue and dark and light reddish-brown, though the colors have likely shifted somewhat from oxidation over the years. This measures just 4” by 4” and is a very complicated, intricate, and skilled piece of threadwork. The condition is excellent. Only the threads forming the eight-sided opening immediately around Sedgwick’s head and shoulders have spread slightly or are missing a few strands, which does not much detract from an exemplary piece of work. (The portrait itself is very clear- a bust shot, showing the upper portion of his general’s frock coat and his shoulder strap at left.)

Born in 1813, Sedgwick graduated West Point in 1837, served in the Seminole and Mexican Wars, earning two brevets, and served in the cavalry in Kansas and some early Indian conflicts. He was commissioned a brigadier general in 1861, saw action on the Peninsula, was promoted major general, and at Antietam was wounded three times. At Chancellorsville he commanded Union forces at Fredericksburg, stormed Maryes Heights but was prevented from reaching Hooker at the Battle of Salem Church. He commanded the 6^th Corps at Gettysburg, but it was largely held in reserve. In 1864 the corps held the right of the Union line in the Wilderness and was killed at the opening of the Battle of Spottsylvania on May 9.

Sedgwick was remembered by several statues and monuments, and thought well of both by fellow officers and his men, who referred to him affectionately as “Uncle John.” This was likely made for one of his loyal officers or soldiers who wished to display it at home and commemorate his service under the widely mourned commander.  [sr][ph:L]

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