Interior of the Second North Fort After Its Surrender on August 21, 1860, Wherein 2000 Prisoners Were Taken

Felice Beato

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a historical scene of a military fortification from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is high in the image showing a barren area with earthen mounds and structures. Two large embankments dominate the composition, one on the left with domed shelters. Wooden logs and supplies lean against the slopes. More earthwork structures extend into the distance leading to a line of fortifications across the horizon. A muddy pathway runs diagonally towards the right, flanked by trenches or excavation lines. The color palette is muted with earth tones like browns and greys, giving an aged look.