The Seceding Mississippi Delegation in Congress 1861

Winslow Homer made this wood engraving, titled "The Seceding Mississippi Delegation in Congress," for *Harper's Weekly* in February 1861. The image reflects the profound political divisions within the United States on the eve of the Civil War. Published in New York, the illustration depicts the representatives who chose to leave Congress, a decision that mirrors the state of Mississippi's secession from the Union. The arrangement of the figures, clustered together but each facing forward with serious expressions, evokes a sense of collective resolve. The clean lines and careful shading characteristic of wood engraving lend a formal, almost monumental quality to the image. What's interesting is how this image circulated through the popular press, influencing public opinion and framing the key players in this historical drama. To fully understand its impact, scholars often consult newspaper archives, political pamphlets, and personal letters from the period, resources that shed light on the image’s reception. Ultimately, this artwork reminds us that our understanding is always shaped by its specific moment.