Thanksgiving in Camp 

This pencil sketch, "Thanksgiving in Camp", was made by Winslow Homer. The quickness of the lines suggests it may have been done on site. Though rendered simply, the material itself – graphite on paper – has its own story to tell. Unlike the time-consuming, specialized techniques of oil painting, drawing is immediate, democratic. Homer’s choice to capture this scene in pencil makes it accessible, like a snapshot from the front lines. The softness of the graphite allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating depth and texture with minimal effort. You can almost feel the weight of the soldiers' uniforms, and the chill in the air. The very act of sketching elevates the everyday experiences of soldiers, blurring the lines between high art and lived experience. It reminds us that even amidst the machinery of war, there's still space for quiet observation. By valuing the material of pencil on paper, we acknowledge the significance of the hand in recording history.