Gallery Edition – Reception of the officers of the Army by Secretary of War Stanton. Monday PM. at the War Dept. Washington D.C. by Arthur Lumley – 65×44 Interior Architectural Study

Curatorial Narrative In the midst of the American Civil War, Arthur Lumley’s “Reception of the officers of the Army by Secretary of War Stanton. Monday PM. at the War Dept. Washington D.C.” (1862) presents a poignant snapshot of a pivotal moment in history. Executed with meticulous attention to detail, this realistic sketch exudes an air of solemnity, its fine linework and subtle shading conjuring a sense of gravitas. The neutral tones and sepia-like hues that dominate the palette imbue the scene with a sense of nostalgia, underscoring the weight of the occasion. As a historical depiction, the work’s classic design style situates it firmly within the tradition of architectural renderings, its very realism serving to heighten the drama of the encounter.When enlarged to 65×44, this intricate drawing assumes an imposing presence, its spatial depth and chromatic structure coalescing to create a sense of enveloping atmosphere. The neutr