Army of the Potomac – Sleeping on Their Arms (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. VIII) 1864

Winslow Homer's "Army of the Potomac – Sleeping on Their Arms (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. VIII)" is a black and white wood engraving depicting a scene of Union soldiers sleeping on the ground during the American Civil War. This artwork, created in 1864, captures the grueling reality of life for soldiers during the war, emphasizing their exhaustion and the starkness of their surroundings. The scene is framed by the towering silhouettes of trees, creating a somber mood. The use of light and shadow effectively portrays the soldiers' weariness and the vastness of the battlefield. This powerful image, originally published in Harper's Weekly, offers a glimpse into the realities of the Civil War through Homer's keen observation and detailed depiction of the soldiers' lives.