Our Army before Yorktown, Virginia

Our Army before Yorktown, Virginia by Winslow Homer, created in 1862, captures a key moment early in the American Civil War. This significant early work by the renowned American artist was produced as a wood engraving, a medium that was essential for rapidly disseminating news during the conflict. The print depicts Union soldiers positioned near Yorktown, Virginia, during the crucial Peninsula Campaign, offering contemporary viewers a potent visual report from the front lines. The culture of the United States in the 1860s relied heavily on such illustrated publications to circulate war news, a genre where Homer rapidly established his reputation.

As an illustrative printmaker working primarily for Harper’s Weekly, Homer rapidly developed his technique, translating complex scenes of military life into the high-contrast vocabulary required by the wood engraving process. Unlike later, more detailed paintings, this work prioritizes journalistic immediacy and clarity. The composition emphasizes the organized scale of the Union forces awaiting action, conveying a sense of anticipation and seriousness before a major engagement. Homer’s ability to capture the often-harsh realities of military encampments with dignity helped define visual reporting of the era.

The historical value of this artwork makes it an important document of 19th-century American experience. This type of early illustrative print by Homer has been widely collected and studied for its historical and artistic merit. Today, as part of the distinguished collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Our Army before Yorktown, Virginia remains a powerful example of early American wartime art. Given its age and established provenance, the work frequently falls under public domain, ensuring that prints and reproductions remain widely accessible for study and appreciation.