McIlvaine was born in Philadelphia in 1813. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he studied art in Europe. The watercolors featured here span the period between November 1861 and April 1863, when the artist served in the 5th New York Infantry. The company, also known as "Duryee's Zouaves" after its first commanding officer, Abram Duryee, wore colorful uniforms that can be seen in several of McIlvane's paintings.
Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennyslvania