This is a very rare example of an extremely young boy enlisted in the naval forces during the American Civil War. From bone construction and computer age analysis software our young soldier seems to be 15 years old.
Rather unusual to begin with, even more unusual is that his enlistment was commemorated with an oil painting. It is estimated that of the roughly 2.1 million Union Soldiers, around 400,000 were under 18 years of age, and perhaps as many as 100,000 were 15 years of age or younger. The youngest recruits were handled delicately though. While their bravery and unique sacrifices were often celebrated through items like the photograph of Pvt Edwin Francis Jamieson [17 years old], which became one of the most famous images of the Civil War; or the story of John Clem, who enlisted in 1863 at just age 12 and went on to become the youngest non-commissioned officer in the history of the United States Army, it was still thought inappropriate to glamorize the "child soldiers."
20 x 26 inches, as shown.
The painting itself is in need of restoration. We are happy to assist with that process utilizing our restorer if you wish. Please be aware that it is time-intensive. I would estimate 3-4 months . It does appear to bear a signature on the lower right, but under the darkened paint, it is difficult to say for sure.