Playing Cards
1862
About this artwork
This graphite drawing depicts a group of Civil War soldiers sitting in a camp setting, engaged in a game of cards. It is a classic example of Homer's work as a war correspondent during the American Civil War.
Did you know?
During the American Civil War, Winslow Homer was sent to the front lines by Harper's Weekly as an illustrator to capture the everyday life of soldiers. Rather than focusing solely on the brutality of combat, Homer frequently documented the quiet, mundane moments of camp life, such as soldiers reading letters or, as seen here, passing the time with a game of cards.
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Playing Cards
Winslow Homer, 1862