Battle of Contreras. Near Mexico - August 20th. 1847.

PrinterPrinted by E.B. & E.C. Kellogg (American, 1840 - 1867)

PublisherPublished by E.B. & E.C. Kellogg (American, 1840 - 1867)

PublisherPublished by D. Needham (American, 1808 - 1888)

Date1847

MediumLithography; printer's ink and watercolor on wove paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 8 x 11 13/16in. (20.3 x 30cm) Sheet (height x width): 10 5/16 x 13 1/2in. (26.2 x 34.3cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection

Object number2003.265.0

DescriptionAmerican soldiers advance up a slope towards the right. They wear military uniforms consisting of jackets, caps with plumes, and trousers. Most carry heavy packs, including knapsacks and bed rolls. Most hold rifles with fixed bayonets. Some fire at the Mexicans on the hilltop. One soldier at the right stabs a fallen Mexican man in the stomach with his bayonet. The Mexican holds a pistol in his right hand. Another Mexican man, wearing a hat, coat, and breeches, kneels and fires his rifle at this soldier. Dead or wounded men lie below in the foreground. On the hilltop, two women kneel beside fallen men. One clasps her hands; the other covers her face. A priest in liturgical vestments stands nearby. He holds a cross in his right hand and points upwards with his left hand. A man wearing monk's robes fires a rifle at an advancing soldier who wields a sword. An American soldier on horseback is at the far left. Much of the background is obscured by the smoke of battle. The upper portions of two buildings, including a church, are visible above the smoke at the left.

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