Supply Train 1864

Winslow Homer rendered this image of a supply train with graphite on paper. The immediacy of drawing lends itself well to capturing a scene like this, which seems to have been observed in motion. Consider how different this image would be if Homer had chosen to depict it in oil paint. The very fact that he opted for drawing lends a sense of reportage, almost like a sketch in a war zone. He’s able to imply the grit and the dust of the road by leaving the paper exposed in many areas. Note the contrast between the crisp lines of the wagons and mules, versus the haziness of the landscape. This isn't an idealized image of war, but more a gritty portrayal of logistics. It reminds us that war is not only fought on the battlefield, but also enabled by these hard-working animals and drivers, the unsung participants in that history. By choosing humble materials, Homer elevates these ordinary subjects.