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Rose and Rose O'Neal Greenhow

Rose and Rose O
Artist
Alexander Gardner, 17 Oct 1821 - 10 Dec 1882
Studio
Mathew Brady Studio, active 1844 - 1894
Sitter
Rose O'Neal Greenhow, 1815 - 1 Oct 1864
Rose Greenhow, 1853 - 1910
Date
1862
Type
Photograph
Medium
Albumen silver print
Dimensions
Image/Sheet (Verified): 19.7 x 16cm (7 3/4 x 6 5/16")
Mount: 23.9 x 16cm (9 7/16 x 6 5/16")
Mat (New): 45.7 × 35.6cm (18 × 14")
Topic
Exterior
Costume\Jewelry\Brooch
Costume\Dress Accessory\Glove
Costume\Dress Accessory\Fan
Costume\Headgear\Hat\Snood
Rose Greenhow: Female
Rose O'Neal Greenhow: Female
Rose O'Neal Greenhow: Literature\Writer
Rose O'Neal Greenhow: Society and Social Change\Reformer\Secessionist
Rose O'Neal Greenhow: Military and Intelligence\Intelligence agent\Spy\Confederate
Portrait
Place
United States\District of Columbia\Washington
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Object number
NPG.96.78
Exhibition Label
One of the Confederacy’s most successful female spies, Rose O’Neal Greenhow was a prominent Washington widow and a staunch southern sympathizer. The Confederacy recruited her as a spy after war erupted in 1861. Most notably, Greenhow is credited with passing along intelligence prior to the First Battle of Manassas, insuring a southern victory. Soon after, her covert activities were uncovered and she was placed under house arrest. Gardner took this photograph after “Rebel Rose” and her daughter, Little Rose, were transferred to the Old Capitol Prison in 1862. Greenhow served five months before being exiled to the South. She then traveled to Europe to promote the Confederate cause. Returning in September 1864, Greenhow drowned attempting to run the federal blockade of Wilmington, N.C. The Confederacy buried her with military honors.
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Location
Currently not on view