Carte de Visite of Major General Joseph Hooker (“Fighting Joe”)

Carte de Visite of Major General Joseph Hooker (“Fighting Joe”) 
Waist-Up Portrait in Full Uniform – E. & H.T. Anthony from Brady Negative
 
A bold and finely executed albumen carte de visite of Major General Joseph Hooker, the charismatic Union commander immortalized as “Fighting Joe.” This waist-up view presents Hooker in regulation double-breasted frock coat with prominent general’s shoulder straps, his direct gaze and trademark curled mustache rendered with exceptional sharpness and presence. Published by E. & H.T. Anthony, New York, from an original Mathew Brady negative, the desirable backmark confirms its authentic wartime production.
 
The image retains very good contrast and clarity throughout. The mount remains strong with just the very tips of the corners lightly trimmed for album insertion – a common and unobtrusive feature of the era.
 
Joseph Hooker (1814–1879) rose from pre-war regular-army service in the Seminole and Mexican–American Wars to command the Army of the Potomac. Celebrated for early victories at Williamsburg, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, he is equally remembered for the stunning defeat at Chancellorsville (May 1863) against Robert E. Lee. Later redeeming himself at Chattanooga and during the Atlanta Campaign under Sherman, Hooker resigned in protest when passed over for promotion. Post-war, he led President Lincoln’s funeral procession in Springfield and commanded the Departments of the East and Lakes before retiring as a regular-army major general in 1868.
 
A quintessential Brady-Anthony portrait of one of the Civil War’s most colorful and controversial generals. fine condition – highly desirable.