The Fine Arts Library owns a lithograph from 1867 entitled “Reconstruction,” which is available to view on HOLLIS Images. It is an allegory of Reconstruction (1865–1877), the period after the Civil War when important steps in the history of civil rights in the United States took place, notably the abolition of slavery and the institution of civil rights for the newly freed citizens via three new constitutional amendments.
In this print, a large pavilion represents the United States government, which is being rebuilt by hand, column by column. To fully appreciate the complex symbolism depicted, you must pay close attention to details.
Below is a detailed description from the Library of Congress’ website:
“Print shows a grand allegory of the reconciliation of North and South through the federal program of Reconstruction. Visionary in its breadth and scale, the work is a remarkable combination of religious and patriotic ideology. In "Bateman's National Picture" (as the print is termed in a published key) the government is represented as a colossal pavilion-like structure. It has a broad, flattened dome or canopy, on which is drawn a map of the United States, with a shallow drum with a frieze showing the Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court, and cabinet. The drum is supported by two systems of slender columns--the straight, outer ones representing the state governments, and the curved inner ones the people. Atop the dome is an eagle with flag and shield.
The structure is literally undergoing "reconstruction." The bases of the columns of the former Confederate states are being replaced with new ones. The old bases are called "Foundations of Slavery." The new ones represent Justice, Liberty, and Education. Under the watchful supervision of the military, civilians carry the new columns and put them into place. The scene is teeming with other symbols and figures. The sky is filled with a multitude of faces--American statesman, public figures, and other historical characters (among others, Joan of Arc and John Milton). Daniel Webster and John Calhoun are prominently featured. The aerial host surrounds the figure of Christ, who says, "Do to other as you would have them do to you." Flanking the group are Justice (left) and Liberty (right). Below, beneath the canopy, representatives of the North are reconciled with their Southern counterparts. Union generals Benjamin Butler and Ulysses S. Grant clasp hands with Confederates P. T. Beauregard and Robert E. Lee, respectively, and Horace Greeley embraces Jefferson Davis. Below in a small vignette two infants--one black and one white--lie sleeping in their baskets. Above them flies an eagle with a streamer reading ""All men are born free and equal."
Reconstruction
Giles, J.L. (John Lawrence) [engraver (incisor)]
Bateman, Horatio [artist]
Ratellier, Francis [printer]
53 x 64 cm
Related information
Explanation of Bateman's national picture of reconstruction : [together with the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States]
American Civil War Collection
Repository: Harvard Fine Arts Library, Special Collections
HOLLIS number: 8001528942
