Effects of a Shell Explosion, Fredericksburg, VA.

1863

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Effects of a Shell Explosion, Fredericksburg, VA. is a 1863 by Andrew Joseph Russell, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Andrew Joseph Russell
When & what style?: 1863 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This photo shows a muddy battlefield with broken wagons and scattered gear. A few soldiers in dark coats walk past overturned wheels and supplies. Trees and a hill loom in the background, but the scene feels empty and ruined. The wreckage looks like a cannonball hit the area hard. The artist took this photo during the Civil War, showing real damage from war. Next, check out Realism to see how artists showed everyday life—and war—without softening the truth.