Theodore Russell Davis

Theodore R. Davis (1840–1894) was a 19th-century American artist, who made numerous drawings of significant military and political events during the American Civil War and its aftermath. As a child, Theodore R. Davis was taken to Washington D.C. where he graduated from Rittenhouse Academy. When he was fifteen, he moved to New York where studied art under Henry W. Herrick and James Walker.

Some of these drawings include the Battle of Champion Hill, and the most significant sketch of General Joseph E. Johnston and General William T. Sherman meeting at the Bennett Farm near Durham Station to discuss the surrender terms of the remaining Confederate armies in the Southeast.

Theodore Davis was a staff artist at Harper's Weekly. Many of his drawings were published as wood engravings in Harper's Weekly. Theodore R. Davis was chosen to create the Haye's China with a chance meeting.

Theodore Davis worked with panoramic painters such as Friedrich Wilhelm, and August Lohr on projects. He worked alongside the men for larger pieces of artwork. After the Civil War, Theodore Davis spent a short time Illustrating Reconstruction activities in the South and spent time with Generals George Armstrong Custer, and Winfield Scott Hancock during their campaigns against the Indians in the West.

Submitted by David Barnett Gallery