Life in Camp, Part 2: Extra Ration

"Life in Camp, Part 2: Extra Ration" is a striking color lithograph created by Winslow Homer in 1864. Produced during the height of the American Civil War, this print offers a slice-of-life observation far removed from the glorification of battle. Homer, who served as an artist-correspondent during the conflict, specialized in capturing the mundane reality and often challenging conditions faced by Union soldiers.

The scene depicts men gathered in a camp setting, focusing on the logistical struggles of military provisioning. The "Extra Ration" of the title is clearly illustrated by the presence of livestock, specifically pigs, that the soldiers are attempting to wrangle or secure for food. This focus on the practical necessity of gathering supplemental resources underscores Homer’s commitment to documentary realism, showing the constant interaction between soldiers and their immediate environment.

As a widely distributed color lithograph, this medium allowed Homer’s work to reach a broad Northern audience eager for updates on the military experience. The work stands as a key example of the artist's early period, predating his famous oil paintings but establishing his skill in rendering narrative through observation. This significant historical document, providing visual insight into the daily lives of American Civil War soldiers and the challenges of sustaining a campaign, is preserved in the extensive prints collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.