Photographs of Antietam

The Photographs of Antietam refer to a series of images taken by photographer Mathew Brady during and after the Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, during the American Civil War. These photographs are significant as they were among the first to document the realities of war, showcasing the aftermath of one of the bloodiest battles in American history, where around 22,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing. Brady's work helped bring the harsh realities of war to the public, influencing public perception and contributing to the legitimacy of war photography as a powerful medium.