Albert S. Johnston Crossing the Desert to Join the Southern Army (from Confederate War Etchings)

Art Historical Context

Adalbert John Volck’s etching *Albert S. Johnston Crossing the Desert to Join the Southern Army* captures a pivotal moment from the early years of the American Civil War. Created between 1861 and 1863 as part of the artist’s *Confederate War Etchings* series, the print depicts Confederate general Albert Sidney Johnston’s arduous journey from California across the desert to offer his services to the South.ck, a German-born dentist living in Baltimore, used his etchings to express strong Southern sympathies during a time when Maryland remained in the Union. The scene highlights the determination and sacrifice of Confederate leaders, showing Johnston on horseback amid a harsh landscape with his small party. These intimate, portable prints allowed Volck to circulate pro-Southern imagery despite Union restrictions on such materials. As an etching, the work’s fine lines and dramatic contrasts convey both the physical challenges of the desert crossing and the emotional weight of the general’s decision. Today, this print in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection offers visitors a vivid glimpse into the personal stories and divided loyalties that defined the Civil War era.

About the Artist

Adalbert John Volck · 1828–1912

Adalbert John Volck (1828–1912) led one of the more remarkable double lives in American art history. Born in Augsburg, Bavaria, he emigrated to the United States as a young man, eventually settling in Baltimore, where he built a distinguished career as a dentist. Yet beneath his professional respectability lay a fierce artistic talent and a passionate political identity that would find explosive e...