Who painted Rebel Works at Yorktown?

Rebel Works at Yorktown was painted by Winslow Homer in 1862.

Where can I see Rebel Works at Yorktown?

Rebel Works at Yorktown is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Rebel Works at Yorktown?

Rebel Works at Yorktown is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Rebel Works at Yorktown

Winslow Homer , 1862

Rebel Works at Yorktown is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

He wasn’t a soldier himself—just a young artist hired to record the war.

This sketch shows Union soldiers building earthworks at Yorktown. The men dig with shovels under a clear sky. One soldier checks his pocket watch while others work.

The artist sketched this scene right after the battle in 1862. He wasn’t a soldier himself—just a young artist hired to record the war. Watercolor glazing gives soft color to the dirt and sky.

Look closer at the watch in the soldier’s hand. It’s a clue to how long the siege lasted.
National Gallery of Art, Washington

Overview

Rebel Works at Yorktown is a drawing by Winslow Homer, created in 1862 using graphite and watercolor on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts Union soldiers constructing earthworks at Yorktown, with one soldier checking his pocket watch, hinting at the duration of the siege.

Technique & Style

Homer employed watercolor glazing to achieve soft, nuanced colors in the dirt and sky, capturing the scene with a delicate touch.

History & Provenance

The drawing was made shortly after the battle, as Homer was documenting the war as a young artist, not as a soldier.

Context

The work is a visual record of a specific moment during the conflict, providing insight into the activities of Union soldiers during the siege of Yorktown.