Drummer Seen from the Back 1864

Winslow Homer's charcoal drawing "Drummer Seen from the Back" (1864) depicts a Union soldier from the American Civil War. The figure is rendered in a simple, yet expressive style, with the focus on the soldier’s posture and the weight of his uniform. The composition is straightforward and emphasizes the drummer's stance, conveying a sense of duty and the everyday reality of the Civil War through a powerful and evocative figure. The drawing's subject matter offers a poignant glimpse into the human cost of the war, while Homer's masterful use of charcoal underscores the somber tone.