Life in Camp, Part 2: Home on Furlough 1864

"Home on a Furlough" is a sketch by American artist Winslow Homer from 1864. The work, depicting a Union soldier taking in a performance of ballerinas, is part of a larger series, "Life in Camp," which documented the realities of Civil War life. The drawing, executed in pencil and watercolor, captures a moment of respite for the soldier amidst the hardships of war. Homer's depiction of the soldier's awe and enjoyment highlights the contrast between the soldier's experiences on the battlefield and the more refined pleasures of home. This artwork is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of moments of joy in times of great hardship.