Who painted Line-ups and Trenches [recto]?

Line-ups and Trenches [recto] was painted by Winslow Homer in 1864.

Where can I see Line-ups and Trenches [recto]?

Line-ups and Trenches [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Line-ups and Trenches [recto]?

Line-ups and Trenches [recto] is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Line-ups and Trenches [recto]

Winslow Homer , 1864

Line-ups and Trenches [recto] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1864, Line-ups and Trenches [recto] is a graphite drawing on wove paper by American artist Winslow Homer. The work records two separate military scenes within a single sheet, rendered in monochrome tones that emphasize form and atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The upper half depicts a line of soldiers lying low in a trench, with distant trees and a fence suggesting a defensive position. Below, five figures in hats are shown in various poses—walking, crouching, or seated—each carrying a simple bag and a rifle, conveying the routine of camp life during the Civil War.

Technique & Style

Homer employed rapid, gestural graphite strokes, producing a sketch-like quality that captures movement and immediacy. The drawing relies on a limited palette of gray and brown, while the paper’s worn surface and faint creases add texture and a sense of age to the composition.

History & Provenance

The piece dates to the height of the American Civil War, a period when Homer served as an artist-correspondent for Harper's Weekly. It reflects his on‑the‑ground observations, though specific details of its acquisition or exhibition history are not recorded in the available sources.