Who painted Colonel Wilson, of Wilson's Brigade?

Colonel Wilson, of Wilson's Brigade was painted by Winslow Homer in 1861.

Where can I see Colonel Wilson, of Wilson's Brigade?

Colonel Wilson, of Wilson's Brigade is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Colonel Wilson, of Wilson's Brigade?

Colonel Wilson, of Wilson's Brigade is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Colonel Wilson, of Wilson's Brigade

Winslow Homer , 1861

Colonel Wilson, of Wilson's Brigade is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1861, *Colonel Wilson, of Wilson’s Brigade* is a black‑and‑white print by American artist Winslow Homer. The image depicts a solitary figure in a long coat and hat, his thick mustache prominent, clutching a folded piece of paper or cloth. The composition is set against an unadorned background, directing full visual attention to the sitter.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays a military officer, identified as Colonel Wilson, a leader of a volunteer brigade during the early Civil War period. By isolating the figure and omitting contextual details, the print emphasizes the individual’s presence and authority, offering a straightforward visual record of a specific person rather than a narrative scene.

Technique & Style

Homer employed a restrained line drawing with subtle shading to render facial features, clothing folds, and the texture of the hat. The monochrome medium and minimalistic approach reflect a realist sensibility, focusing on clear, direct representation without ornamental embellishment, a method consistent with his early illustrative training.

History & Provenance

The print entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. It originates from Homer’s early career, a time when he was transitioning from commercial illustration to fine art, and it exemplifies his output before he fully embraced oil and watercolor painting.

Context

Produced at the outset of the American Civil War, the portrait aligns with a broader surge of visual documentation of military figures. Homer, largely self‑taught, had been working as a magazine illustrator, and this work demonstrates how his illustrative techniques informed his later, more celebrated landscape and marine paintings.