General Thomas Swearing in the Volunteers Called into the Service of the United States at Washington 1861

"General Thomas Swearing in the Volunteers Called into the Service of the United States at Washington, D.C." (1861) is a wood engraving by American artist Winslow Homer. Depicting a pivotal moment in the early stages of the American Civil War, the artwork showcases General Thomas administering the oath of enlistment to a group of newly recruited volunteers. The detailed composition, executed in black and white, captures the solemnity and seriousness of the occasion, reflecting Homer's keen observation of the human condition in times of conflict. This work is an important historical record of the Civil War, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary citizens who volunteered to serve their nation.