From Alexandria to Ship Point [recto]

From Alexandria to Ship Point [recto] is a key graphite drawing created by Winslow Homer in 1862. Executed on wove paper, this American work exemplifies Homer’s early mastery of rapid sketching and detailed observation, crucial skills developed during his tenure as an artist-correspondent covering the Civil War. Classified specifically as a Drawing, the piece captures a moment or location pertinent to military movements in the Virginia theater.

This study dates from a significant period, spanning 1851 to 1875, which marked a critical transition in American art and history. Homer frequently traveled between military camps and reporting centers, using observational graphite studies like this one as source material for his widely published illustrations in Harper's Weekly. The sketch details the journey or the view between Alexandria, a crucial logistical hub for the Union Army, and Ship Point, suggesting the transport of men or material vital to the war effort. Homer’s intention here is documentary, capturing the reality of the conflict through an immediate, observational lens rather than idealized narrative.

The simplicity of the graphite medium allows the viewer to appreciate Homer’s spontaneous line work and compositional choices. The artist demonstrates a focused approach to capturing light and spatial relationships, characteristics that would define his later career. As an example of American draughtsmanship from this pivotal era, the drawing provides valuable insight into the artist’s working process and the immediate visual records he kept in the field. This important work resides in the distinguished permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., preserving a vital record of mid-19th century reportage. Due to the renown of the artist, prints and high-quality reproductions of related works by Homer are frequently available through public domain initiatives.