The War – Making Havelocks for the Volunteers (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. 5, no. 235, cover) 1861

This cover of "Harper's Weekly," from June 1861, by Winslow Homer, presents us with a scene rendered through the stark contrasts of black and white engraving. A group of women are clustered together in a domestic interior, engaged in sewing what the title identifies as havelocks for the volunteers. The composition is structured around this intimate gathering, yet the scene is framed by elements that hint at a world beyond the domestic. A window, partially obscured by foliage, offers a glimpse of the outside, while a draped flag introduces a note of patriotic duty. The visual language here constructs a narrative around the women and their position to the unfolding events of the American Civil War. Homer's use of line and form creates a sense of depth and texture, inviting the viewer to consider the relationship between the private sphere of domestic labor and the public sphere of war and national identity. It destabilizes conventional notions of gender roles, suggesting that these women are active participants in a conflict fought on distant battlefields. It invites us to consider the role of images in shaping public opinion and understanding of historical events.