Join The Collection to save, track, and explore works like this.

Larry Rivers — Last Civil War Veteran (Original for the Print)
Larry Rivers

Last Civil War Veteran (Original for the Print)

1965

This mixed media work depicts a wounded or deceased soldier lying in repose on a bed, rendered in muted ochre and tan tones. Above the recumbent figure, American flags and patriotic textiles are arranged, including the Confederate battle flag, the Stars and Stripes, and star patterned fabrics in blue. The composition juxtaposes intimate, vulnerable imagery of the soldier's body with symbols of national conflict and division, creating a poignant commentary on the human cost of war. The drawing combines careful anatomical rendering with gestural watercolor and ink passages, reflecting on themes of sacrifice and historical memory.

Medium
oil, pastel and graphite on paper
Overall

Notes

Contemporary Day Auction, Sotheby's, sale on 2026-05-15.

🔨 Auction Lot

Contemporary Day Auction

May 15, 2026

Estimate: $400,000$600,000

For Sale

Start the Discussion

Request access to join the discussion

About this work

Larry Rivers, Last Civil War Veteran (Original for the Print), 1965

This mixed media work depicts a wounded or deceased soldier lying in repose on a bed, rendered in muted ochre and tan tones. Above the recumbent figure, American flags and patriotic textiles are arranged, including the Confederate battle flag, the Stars and Stripes, and star patterned fabrics in blue. The composition juxtaposes intimate, vulnerable imagery of the soldier's body with symbols of national conflict and division, creating a poignant commentary on the human cost of war. The drawing combines careful anatomical rendering with gestural watercolor and ink passages, reflecting on themes of sacrifice and historical memory.

Medium
oil, pastel and graphite on paper
Dimensions
overall: 81.3 x 61 cm
Year
1965
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Civil War Memorial, Mixed Media Drawing, Conflict And Loss, Historical Commentary, National Identity, Contemporary Commentary, Figurative Art, Allegorical Imagery, American Flags, American History, Patriotic Symbols, Watercolor And Ink, Political Art, War And Remembrance, Wounded Soldier, Military Service, Human Suffering, Historical Legacy

More works by Larry Rivers