Who painted The Army of the Potomac - A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty?

The Army of the Potomac - A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty was painted by Winslow Homer in 1862.

Where can I see The Army of the Potomac - A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty?

The Army of the Potomac - A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Army of the Potomac - A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty?

The Army of the Potomac - A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Army of the Potomac - A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty

Winslow Homer , 1862

The Army of the Potomac - A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The print titled *The Army of the Potomac – A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty* captures a lone Union soldier crouched behind a tree, rifle poised, scanning the forested landscape. Rendered in a muted palette, the figure’s blue uniform and cap stand out against the dappled sunlight, emphasizing the quiet vigilance of a picket guard rather than the chaos of battle.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a moment of solitary watchfulness, suggesting both the alertness required of a sharpshooter and the vulnerability of a young soldier isolated in a wooded setting. By focusing on this intimate scene, the work conveys the everyday realities of camp life and the personal experience of war beyond grand engagements.

Technique & Style

Originally a field drawing made by Winslow Homer during the Civil War, the image was transferred to a wood block and engraved by professional cutters for reproduction. The wood‑engraving process preserves the line quality of the sketch while allowing fine tonal variation, resulting in a clear yet atmospheric print that reflects the artist’s observational style.

History & Provenance

Homer produced the drawing in 1861 after being dispatched by *Harper's Weekly* to document Union troops in Virginia. The magazine published the resulting engraving for its readership, providing contemporary audiences with visual accounts of military routine. The print now resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, illustrating the transition from wartime sketch to museum object.