The Army of the Potomac – A Sharp-Shooter on Picket Duty (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. VII) 1862

"The Army of the Potomac – A Sharp-Shooter on Picket Duty" is a wood engraving by Winslow Homer from 1862, depicting a Union soldier perched in a tree, rifle in hand, during the American Civil War. Homer, known for his realistic depictions of war, uses the image to convey the quiet intensity of the soldier's position, highlighting the loneliness and vigilance of a sharpshooter on picket duty. The image, originally published in Harper's Weekly, serves as a visual record of the war's realities, capturing the soldier's isolation and emphasizing the importance of sharpshooters during this period. The engraving's stark contrasts and detailed portrayal of the soldier's attire and surroundings contribute to its powerful impact.