Rare Album Tintype of Mrs. George B. McClellan from the Album of General Alexander S. Webb 

Description

Rare Album Tintype of Mrs. George B. McClellan 

from the Album of General Alexander S. Webb 

 

A scarce late 1860s albumen “tintype-style” photograph mounted in a standard carte de visite card, depicting Mrs. George B. McClellan, wife of Union Major General George B. McClellan. The image is presented within an oval mount and retains strong contrast, showing the sitter in formal attire consistent with post-war studio portraiture. The verso bears a New York photographer’s imprint along with a period pencil identification reading “Mrs. G.B. McLellan,” reinforcing the attribution. 

 

Mary Ellen Marcy McClellan (commonly known as “Nelly”) was a figure of quiet prominence during the Civil War era, closely tied to her husband’s military and later political career. Married in 1860, she accompanied McClellan through the tumultuous years of his command of the Army of the Potomac and remained a steadfast presence during his 1864 presidential campaign against Lincoln. Period images of Mrs. McClellan are notably scarce. 

 

Of exceptional importance is the provenance—sourced from the personal album of General Alexander S. Webb, Medal of Honor recipient and key Union commander at Gettysburg, where he famously held the Angle during Pickett’s Charge. Webb’s wartime associations with high-ranking Union leadership place this image within a tight and desirable circle of command-level provenance. 

 

A rare and desirable image combining a prominent Civil War figure’s spouse with ironclad provenance to one of Gettysburg’s most celebrated Union generals. 

 

Inventory Number: CDV 603