Over the years I have looked at thousands of Civil War photographs. Most are interesting and many are even
extraordinary, but the photo that inspired this piece is one of my favorites. The best word that comes to mind
when describing it is the word character. So when thinking of a tribute to prisoners of the Civil War, I could
think of none better than a recreation of this classic image.
Is it reported that there were more than 400,000 prisoners taken during the war. The three men in this piece
are perhaps the most famous. There doesn’t appear to be much information on who these men were or what
became of them, yet most Civil War aficionados will immediately recognize these three posing men as
Confederate prisoners taken at the battle of Gettysburg.
I think it is befitting that these men were Confederates, or “rebels“. They definitely look the part. Each man
was not content to simply have his picture made, but wanted also to expressed his unique spirit. When
considering the situation these soldiers were facing at that moment, it makes the photo even more sublime.
Not only had they been engaged in, and were captured at, one of the most important battles of the war, but
they were also facing an uncertain future in a Yankee prison. Yet the circumstances did not rob them of their
light hearts or stop them from having fun. Perhaps that is why these Johnnie Rebs have become three of the
most famous POW’s in American history, and why their image is still admired almost 150 years later.
It is easy for those of us who are interested in the Civil War to only concentrate on renown generals, gallant
officers and notable names associated with the era. But those people were only a small sliver of the millions of
common men who fought and suffered through those four long years of war. This piece is about remembering
the soldiers, the prisoners, and even the citizens whose spirits may have bent, but didn’t break, despite the
horrible adversities they faced during that long and bloody conflict.
The fact that this photo was taken at Gettysburg especially draws me to this image. I believe it is very fitting to
have such an inspiring photograph taken at such a momentous battle. To me, Gettysburg is the most
interesting battle of the war. It is also my favorite battlefield to visit; not only is it historically significant, but its
rolling hills and mountains make the site absolutely beautiful. As a historical artist, I try to remain as true as
possible to my subject, but my love for this place lead me to add my own dash of creativity which one seldom
sees in my work. In the actual photograph, the hills and mountains that surround Gettysburg are barely
visible. In my recreation, I have added a hint of those hazy gray Pennsylvania mountains in the background.
To me, it just isn’t Gettysburg without them.
While it’s a shame that we do not have much information on the names of these three soldiers, it may also be
for the greater good. In a way, the three Johnnies at Gettysburg could be any man, or every man, who made
sacrifices, endured the hardships - and yet somehow persevered - during those trying times. One may take it
further and say these men embody the spirit of fortitude that has been demonstrated by American soldiers
from every war. I can’t help but think of the words printed on the millions of black and white flags one might
see flying in any American town: POW ~ MIA: YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.
extraordinary, but the photo that inspired this piece is one of my favorites. The best word that comes to mind
when describing it is the word character. So when thinking of a tribute to prisoners of the Civil War, I could
think of none better than a recreation of this classic image.
Is it reported that there were more than 400,000 prisoners taken during the war. The three men in this piece
are perhaps the most famous. There doesn’t appear to be much information on who these men were or what
became of them, yet most Civil War aficionados will immediately recognize these three posing men as
Confederate prisoners taken at the battle of Gettysburg.
I think it is befitting that these men were Confederates, or “rebels“. They definitely look the part. Each man
was not content to simply have his picture made, but wanted also to expressed his unique spirit. When
considering the situation these soldiers were facing at that moment, it makes the photo even more sublime.
Not only had they been engaged in, and were captured at, one of the most important battles of the war, but
they were also facing an uncertain future in a Yankee prison. Yet the circumstances did not rob them of their
light hearts or stop them from having fun. Perhaps that is why these Johnnie Rebs have become three of the
most famous POW’s in American history, and why their image is still admired almost 150 years later.
It is easy for those of us who are interested in the Civil War to only concentrate on renown generals, gallant
officers and notable names associated with the era. But those people were only a small sliver of the millions of
common men who fought and suffered through those four long years of war. This piece is about remembering
the soldiers, the prisoners, and even the citizens whose spirits may have bent, but didn’t break, despite the
horrible adversities they faced during that long and bloody conflict.
The fact that this photo was taken at Gettysburg especially draws me to this image. I believe it is very fitting to
have such an inspiring photograph taken at such a momentous battle. To me, Gettysburg is the most
interesting battle of the war. It is also my favorite battlefield to visit; not only is it historically significant, but its
rolling hills and mountains make the site absolutely beautiful. As a historical artist, I try to remain as true as
possible to my subject, but my love for this place lead me to add my own dash of creativity which one seldom
sees in my work. In the actual photograph, the hills and mountains that surround Gettysburg are barely
visible. In my recreation, I have added a hint of those hazy gray Pennsylvania mountains in the background.
To me, it just isn’t Gettysburg without them.
While it’s a shame that we do not have much information on the names of these three soldiers, it may also be
for the greater good. In a way, the three Johnnies at Gettysburg could be any man, or every man, who made
sacrifices, endured the hardships - and yet somehow persevered - during those trying times. One may take it
further and say these men embody the spirit of fortitude that has been demonstrated by American soldiers
from every war. I can’t help but think of the words printed on the millions of black and white flags one might
see flying in any American town: POW ~ MIA: YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.
| "Three Johnnies" |
| FREE SHIPPING! Available in Two Sizes: 8.5" X 11" Limited Edition Print Signed and Numbered of 1000 on acid free fine art paper. 11" X 14" Limited Edition Print Signed and Numbered of 650 on acid free fine art paper. |
| Price: $19.95 |
| Price: $34.95 |
| Three Johnnies |
Copyright 2008, Victoria Heilshorn
All rights reserved.
All published materials and images are
protected under copyright law.
All rights reserved.
All published materials and images are
protected under copyright law.
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