^Lot 188F ZOAVES AT FIRST MANASSAS #477/500

ZOAVES AT FIRST MANNASAS #477/500
APPROX. 9" BY 8"
APPROX. 3.04 LBS
AUTHENTIC SCULPTURE BY FRANCIS BARNUM
SOLID PEWTER. WOOD BASE, HIGH QUALITY AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

The sculpture “Zouaves at First Manassas” by Francis Barnum depicts the colorful and chaotic fighting involving Zouave units during the First Battle of Manassas (also called the First Battle of Bull Run) on July 21, 1861 — the first major land battle of the American Civil War.

The piece is notable because it captures one of the war’s most visually dramatic subjects: the famous Zouave soldiers, who wore distinctive uniforms inspired by elite French North African troops. These uniforms featured baggy trousers, short jackets, sashes, and fez-style caps, making them stand out sharply on the battlefield.

HISTORY:
The history behind “Zouaves at First Manassas” centers on the dramatic role Zouave regiments played during the First Battle of Manassas (First Bull Run) on July 21, 1861 — the first major land battle of the American Civil War.


The battle took place near Manassas Junction, Virginia, where Union General Irvin McDowell marched roughly 35,000 inexperienced Federal troops against Confederate forces under Generals P.G.T. Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnston.

The Zouaves were among the most famous troops on the battlefield. Originally inspired by elite French North African soldiers, American Zouave regiments adopted flashy uniforms with:

Red baggy trousers
Short jackets
Sashes
Fez-style caps

They were considered elite light infantry and became symbols of early-war excitement and military pride.

One of the best-known Zouave units at First Manassas was the Union’s 11th New York “Fire Zouaves.” The regiment was made up largely of New York City volunteer firefighters and was organized by Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, a close friend of President Lincoln.

At the battle, the Fire Zouaves fought fiercely on Henry House Hill during repeated attempts to retake Union artillery batteries from Confederate troops. They suffered heavy casualties during close-range combat and cavalry attacks.

Confusion on the battlefield became legendary because many Confederate units also wore colorful uniforms similar to Union Zouaves. Smoke, dust, and poor visibility caused soldiers to mistake enemy troops for allies. Some Confederate regiments advanced close to Union artillery before being identified, helping turn the battle in the South’s favor.


The battle itself shocked the nation. Many Americans on both sides believed the war would end quickly, but the brutal fighting at Manassas revealed the conflict would be long and deadly. Nearly 5,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing.

Francis Barnum’s sculpture captures this early-war energy and chaos:

brightly dressed Zouaves charging into combat,
dramatic hand-to-hand fighting,
and the confusion of the first great Civil War battle.

The sculpture also reflects the romanticized memory of the Civil War that became popular in collectible historical sculptures during the late 20th century. Barnum became known for creating highly detailed Civil War bronzes and pewter sculptures portraying famous battles, generals, and soldiers.

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