Playing Cards 1862

Winslow Homer's "Playing Cards" (1862) is a pencil drawing depicting a group of Union soldiers during the American Civil War. This intimate scene captures a moment of leisure and camaraderie amidst the harsh realities of war. The drawing's loose and gestural lines convey a sense of immediacy and realism. Homer's focus on the soldiers' hands holding playing cards highlights the simple pleasures that provide solace in the midst of conflict. This drawing is an early example of Homer's ability to capture the essence of everyday life during wartime, a theme he would explore throughout his career.