Description:

Luigi Palma di Cesnola
Richmond, VA and New York, NY, ca. 1863
Libby Prison POW Drawing and CDV Signed by a 4th NY Cavalry Col. & MOH Recipient
Signed art

Luigi Palma di Cesnola (1832-1904) pen & ink drawing, 9.8" x 6.75", and carte de visite, 2.4" x 4". Drawing is titled "Sketch Book made in Libby Prison 1863 & 1864" and is inscribed perpendicularly on right, "Pen & ink sketch made in prison", and on left, "Libby Prison / Richmond VA / September 1863" in Cesnola's hand. CDV shows the Italian born officer in a standing pose in cavalry uniform with a sword. With "4" at top of the insignia on his kepi indicating he was serving with the 4th New York Cavalry. Both items have age toning. Drawing has minute tear at top left corner and scattered stains. CDV has gently bumped corners, untrimmed mount, and retains excellent detail and contrast.

CDV is further distinguished by a presentation inscription and signature on verso to Franz Sigel: "to Maj Genl F Sigel with the kindest regards of his faithful friend. February 17th 1863. Col Di Cesnola." With "J. Gurney & Sons" backstamp. Cesnola had initially been commissioned into the New York 11th Cavalry in February 1862. He later joined the 4th NY Cavalry and was captured at the Battle of Aldie on June 17, 1863 at the start of the Gettysburg Campaign.

Cesnola was wounded and captured at Aldie, and taken to Libby Prison, where he made the drawing offered here. He was released in early 1864 and later received a Medal of Honor for his gallantry. After the war Cesnola resumed his artistic endeavors, becoming the first director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 2.4" x 4" and 9.8" x 6.75"
  • Medium: Signed art

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

May 6, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000