Ambrotype, General James C. Tappan

 
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Ambrotype, General James C. Tappan
Ambrotype, General James C. Tappan
Ambrotype, General James C. Tappan
Ambrotype, General James C. Tappan

Ambrotype, General James C. Tappan

Object number2012.025.01
Date1861-1865
Mediumleather, metal, glass
Dimensions4 3/4 x 3 3/4 in. (12 x 9.5 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
    Description1/4 plate Ambrotype of General James C. Tappan. Tappan was born in 1825 in Franklin, Tennessee. The oldest of 13 children, he studied at Exeter Academy in New Hamphire and went on to Yale University. After Yale, he studied law in Vicksburg, Mississippi. In 1848, Tappan moved to Helena, Arkansas to begin practicing law. He was married in 1854. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he joined the 13th Arkansas Infantry Regiment was commissioned a colonel. He fought in a number of battles including Shiloh, Richmond and Perryville. He was then promoted to brigadier general and became commander of the 27th, 33rd and 38th Consolidated regiments. He then participated in the Red River campaign and fighting at the Battle of Jenkin's Ferry.

    After the war, Tappan returned to Helena and resumed his law practice. He went on to serve in the Arkansas House of Representatives. Tappan died in 1906.

    The ambrotype is a type of photograph that uses a glass negative with a black background making the image appear positive. Popular during the 1850's and 1860's. Patented by James Ambrose Cutting.

    Image shows Tappan sitting in full Confederate dress next to a table. He is holding a sword in front of himself with one hand and he is holding a pair of white gloves in the other. Brown leather case with floral motiff. Inside the front cover is embossed yellow felt. Two hooks.
    Status
    Not on view
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