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I have lived in Gettysburg most of life, including during the great Cyclorama Center controversy when the old Cyclorama building was torn down. The painting was removed and later painstakingly restored and placed in the current Gettysburg Visitor Center.
I never had an interest in viewing the painting, and now I know what a mistake that was! It is simply astounding.
If you missed last month’s post, you didn’t get to see inside the Gettysburg Visitor Center.
What Is The Cyclorama Painting?
The Cyclorama is the largest painting in North America, standing 42 feet high and measuring 377 feet in circumference. It visually tells the story of Pickett’s Charge through scenes so detailed it is indescribable.
The painting was created by French artist Paul Philippoteaux, who came to the United States in 1879 after being hired by a group of entrepreneurs to paint this work for a special display in Chicago.
Look at the detail of this small portion of the painting below, paying specific attention to the little lean-to shed and the surgeons working on a wounded soldier to the left of the fence line.
Now look at the detail of that shed and that scene. The entire 360 degree painting is detailed right down to specific officers, companies and specific activities, like prisoners being taken to the back or the wounded being carried off the field.
Here are two more examples. Pay attention to the two horses in the center and then the detail of the closeup.
Look again at the photo above, at the soldier on the white horse in the left corner, with the flag.
The experience of seeing the painting in person is aided by the use of lights and smoke and the sounds of battle. The 360-degree painting truly comes to life in an entertaining — and educational — way.
If you’re planning a trip to Gettysburg, I highly recommend visiting the Cyclorama Center!
I’ll see you next month with lots of pictures of plantations in Charleston, S.C.