Civil War bowl-shaped object. Gray and blue silk, inset with albumen photographs. American. Circa 1864
Most 19th-century examples of pop photographica are personal, unique objects that are often loaded with private symbols. However, this delicately crafted bowl, with historically recognizable images by Mathew Brady, was created by a Union sympathizer. The blue and gray components are held together with silk ties, and highlighted with photographs of Ulysses S. Grant and his celebrated generals.