Artwork

Army of othe Potomac - Sleeping on Their Arms

Army of othe Potomac - Sleeping on Their Arms, by Winslow Homer, 1864
Army of othe Potomac - Sleeping on Their Arms, by Winslow Homer, 1864

Army of othe Potomac - Sleeping on Their Arms is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

*Army of the Potomac – Sleeping on Their Arms* (1864) is a print by Winslow Homer, capturing a moment of repose among Union soldiers during the American Civil War.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts weary Union soldiers resting in a wooded area, with one vigilant guard standing watch. The scene conveys the fatigue and constant vigilance of soldiers during wartime.

Technique & Style

Homer employs chiaroscuro to create depth, focusing attention on the standing sentinel. The composition reflects his developing skill in capturing dense, weighty scenes, characteristic of his wartime documentation.

History & Provenance

Created in 1864, the work is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, highlighting Homer's shift from commercial illustration to more substantive, observation-driven art.

Context

This piece exemplifies Homer's engagement with the contemporary turmoil of the Civil War, offering a poignant glimpse into the daily realities of Union troops.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Winslow Homer

Artist

Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer (February 24, 1836 – September 29, 1910) was an American landscape painter and illustrator, best known for his marine subjects.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.