On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
[Young Man, Standing, beside Empty Chair with Civil War Kepi on Seat, and Worn Boots, in Studio]
C. Burgess American
Not on view
The vast majority of Civil War portrait photographs are unidentified. One day, researchers may discover the identity and circumstances of the young man whom a Troy, New York, photographer recorded standing beside a conspicuously empty studio chair. A pair of worn boots and a soldier’s kepi on the seat complete the composition. Is the subject mourning a lost comrade, a brother, his father? Or might he be portraying himself as a civilian contemplating the loss of his former self, a Civil War soldier? For some, the mystery may be more beautiful and pleasing than any future clarification could offer.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
![[Young Man, Standing, beside Empty Chair with Civil War Kepi on Seat, and Worn Boots, in Studio], C. Burgess (American), Albumen silver print from glass negative](/Rodan/dist/svg/rolling-0.9s-30px.svg)
