Colonel Wilson, of Wilson's Brigade, and Colonel Ellsworth, of the Fire Zouaves Possibly 1861

Winslow Homer made this print of two Union colonels in 1861 for Harper’s Weekly, using wood engraving. This was a commercial process, fundamental to the rapid spread of images in the 19th century. Note the intricate networks of lines that define the figures, their uniforms, and determined expressions. This texture isn't accidental. It’s a direct consequence of the engraver's labor, painstakingly cutting into the block of wood with specialized tools. It’s fascinating to think about the sheer amount of work involved in producing an image like this at scale, and the skilled traditions the artist engaged with. Newspapers like Harper’s were powerful propaganda tools during the Civil War, shaping public opinion and bolstering support for the Union cause. Homer’s image flattens the appearance of these men, but intensifies their gaze, turning them into symbols of leadership and resolve at a time of national crisis. This print reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the product of complex social and economic forces.