Charge of the First Massachusetts Regiment on a Rebel Rifle Pit near Yorktown Possibly 1862

Winslow Homer created this print for *Harper's Weekly*, an illustrated newspaper, using the technique of wood engraving. This was a common method for mass-producing images at the time, and the final result reflects its means of production. The image was first drawn on a block of wood, then meticulously carved by skilled engravers. Look closely, and you can see the fine lines that create the image, defining the forms and conveying a sense of depth and texture. This was painstaking work, requiring precision and expertise. The print depicts a dramatic moment in the American Civil War, with Union soldiers charging a Confederate position. The image is full of energy and movement, but it also speaks to the brutal realities of war. Consider how the mass production of images like this one shaped public opinion and understanding of the conflict. Ultimately, this print reminds us that even seemingly simple images can be rich with meaning, reflecting the social, political, and technological forces of their time.