Artwork

Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves

Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves, by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, gouache, 1864
Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves, by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, gouache, 1864

Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves is a gouache drawing by the Impressionist artist Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower right in graphite: Camp Elsworth - near Alexandria / Five Zuaves / E Leutze

About this work

Overview

Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria, Five Zouaves is a drawing created by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze around 1864. It is executed in graphite and gouache on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts five Union Army soldiers in Zouave uniforms at a camp near Alexandria during the American Civil War. The scene conveys a sense of informality and camaraderie among the soldiers, who are shown gathered around a fire.

Technique & Style

Leutze used a combination of graphite and gouache to capture the movement and life in the camp. The gouache, a soft and opaque paint, adds color and texture to the scene, while the graphite provides detail and definition.

Context

Leutze was a German-born American history painter associated with the Düsseldorf school, known for his historical compositions that often explored themes of conflict and national identity.

From Alexandria to Ship Point [recto]
From Alexandria to Ship Point [recto], Winslow Homer

Artist & collection

Portrait of Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze

Artist

Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze

Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze (May 24, 1816 – July 18, 1868) was a German-born American history painter, best known for his 1851 painting Washington Crossing the Delaware. He is associated with the Düsseldorf school of painting.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves?

Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves was painted by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze in 1864.

Where can I see Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves?

Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves?

Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves?

Museum-quality prints of Camp Ellsworth, Near Alexandria—Five Zouaves are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.