Soldiers Drilling c. 1864

"Soldiers Drilling" is a pencil sketch on paper by Winslow Homer, created around 1864 during the American Civil War. The artwork depicts a group of Union soldiers in the midst of a drill, emphasizing the repetitive movements and physical exertion of military training. The loose, gestural lines and unfinished quality of the sketch capture the transient nature of this moment, suggesting a sense of urgency and anticipation. Homer, a renowned American painter and illustrator, was known for his realistic depictions of war and its impact on soldiers and civilians. This sketch provides a glimpse into his artistic process and his keen observation of the human condition during a pivotal time in American history.