Thanksgiving Day 1865

"Thanksgiving Day" is a wood engraving by Winslow Homer, created in 1865. The work depicts a man standing on a chair, placing a rifle above a fireplace, while a woman watches. Homer's work often explores the themes of everyday life and the American experience, and this piece, likely inspired by the end of the Civil War, captures a moment of domesticity with a subtle undercurrent of tension. The engraving's realistic details and skillful use of light and shadow contribute to its evocative atmosphere. This intimate scene, showcasing a family preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday, is a testament to Homer's keen observation of the human condition.