AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a framed, hand-colored engraving or lithograph titled 'Burnside at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862.' It depicts Union General Ambrose Burnside with his staff during the American Civil War. The central figure is Burnside, identifiable by his signature facial hair, wearing a dark blue greatcoat and hardee hat, gesturing toward the smoke-filled battlefield in the background. The artwork is signed 'H.A. Ogden' in the lower-left corner, referring to Henry Alexander Ogden, a renowned illustrator known for his meticulous military accuracy. The piece appears to be on paper and shows a prominent horizontal fold line across the center, suggesting it may have originally been an insert in a historical book or periodical. The coloration is soft, featuring blues, browns, and muted greens. The physical condition shows signs of aging, including yellowing of the paper (toning) and the mentioned fold line, but the imagery remains clear. The craftsmanship is high, typical of late 19th-century military illustrations, with attention to uniform details such as sword hilts, epaulettes, and rank insignia. The frame is a simple wood or composite with a thin profile, and the print is matted with a narrow border.

Upon examining this framed print, I have identified it as a lithograph or photogravure based on the original artwork by Henry Alexander Ogden (H.A. Ogden), titled 'Burnside at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862.' Ogden was a premier illustrator of historical military uniforms, best known for his work in 'The Army of the United States' (1890-1907). The presence of the prominent horizontal fold line strongly indicates that this specific piece was removed from a publication, likely a volume of 'Battles and Leaders of the Civil War' or a similar late 19th/early 20th-century historical compilation where such plates were employed as fold-outs. Condition is the primary limiting factor for value here. The paper shows significant toning (yellowing) consistent with acidic wood-pulp paper of the era. The fold line is inherent to its origin but remains a visual distraction for collectors seeking pristine art. Additionally, while the hand-coloring appears competent, it is likely a later addition or part of a mass-produced color run rather than a unique artist proof. The frame is serviceable but seemingly non-archival. In the current market, single book plates by Ogden are relatively common. While the subject matter—a major Civil War general—retains historical interest, the supply of disbound book illustrations is high. Values for similar loose or modestly framed plates typically range from $20 to $60. The value provided reflects the cost of the print plus a modest premium for the existing framing. To fully verify the specific publication origin and printing method (lithograph vs. photomechanical reproduction), I would need to remove the item from the frame to examine the paper thickness, plate marks, and reverse side text.