BOOKS - PANORAMA OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG; - 1884

BH

 PANORAMA OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG;    Published circa 1884.

24 pages, plus fold-out map of the panorama.     5.5” X 8.75” approx.

This is a rare, fragile booklet from an cyclorama exhibit that, despite being “permanently located in Chicago”, now only exists as a copy from Boston that was restored & moved to Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.

Holdings show only 5 copies in worldwide libraries!

The Panorama of the Battle of Gettysburg, aka the Gettysburg Cyclorama, was a massive 360-degree painting by French artist Paul Philippoteaux that debuted in Chicago in 1883.  “Permanently located at [the corner of] Wabash Avenue and Hubbard Court,” this 377-foot by 42-foot artwork depicted Pickett's Charge.  It was an enormous, immersive "proto-cinema" experience, blending detailed painting with 3D foreground elements.  Visitors stood on a central platform, surrounded by the painting and a 3D diorama of trees, fences, and debris designed to seamlessly blend into the canvas.

Fair condition, but complete.