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The Capture of an Unprotected Female, or the Close of the Rebellion

1865
Not on view
During the closing days of the American Civil War Northern satirists often showed the defeated Confederate President Jefferson Davis trying to slip through enemy lines wearing women's clothing. After Robert E. Lee surrended on April 9, 1865, Davis evaded capture for a month, pursued by Union troops who believed he had plotted the assassination of President Lincoln. On May 10th he was finally arrested in Georgia wearing his wife's overcoat, thrown on as he rushed out of the house. Northern tabloids embellished this detail and described Davis in a dress, inspiring prints like this one. Challenge Southern claims of gallantry and chivarly, the image echoes a popular song titled "Jeff in Petticoats." Here, four Union soldiers apprehend Davis as his wife says "I beseech you to let his Excellency alone!"

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Capture of an Unprotected Female, or the Close of the Rebellion
  • Artist: After John Cameron (American, born Scotland, ca. 1828–after 1896 New York)
  • Publisher: Currier & Ives (American, active New York, 1857–1907)
  • Sitter: Jefferson Davis (American, Fairview, Kentucky 1808–1889 New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Sitter: Varina Anne Davis (American, 1826–1906)
  • Date: 1865
  • Medium: Lithograph
  • Dimensions: Image: 9 5/8 × 14 15/16 in. (24.5 × 38 cm)
    Sheet: 12 3/8 × 17 1/4 in. (31.5 × 43.8 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Gift of A. S. Colgate, 1952
  • Object Number: 52.632.215
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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