The War Between the States

http://www.civilwararchive.com/Unreghst/unpacav1.htm

These men are from the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry / 60th Regiment (Young's Kentucky Light Cavalry). Gray tone photographs often play up the visibility of light and dark. Seeing the light through the organic shape of the tree's leaves gives the sense of a bright, beautiful day. This in contrast to the main subjects of the photo, four civil war soldiers. They are carrying swords, and appear to be in uniforms. Behind them is an old style of tent, so this photo was likely taken next to their regiment's camp. The men are the obvious focus of the picture. They are facing the camera straight on, in somewhat similar poses, with the exception of the sitting figure. He is most likely in a different position because he is the Commander, Colonel William Averill, and the other men are his officer staff. The highest ranked person in a picture will often differentiate themselves in some way, by standing in the very middle, or placing themselves on a pedestal of some sort.