Our Women and the War

"Our Women and the War," created by the American 19th Century artist Winslow Homer in 1862, is a crucial example of illustrated journalism documenting the US Civil War era. Classified as a print, the work utilizes the precise technique of wood engraving transferred onto newsprint, a common and efficient method for disseminating visual information across the American home front during this intense period of national conflict.

Created during the height of the war, the piece captures a necessary shift in focus away from battlefield action to the lives profoundly altered by the separation and sacrifice central to the Union effort. Homer, working extensively as an illustrator during this time, often provided poignant, relatable scenes for the Northern audience. This work specifically centers on the role of women, who are portrayed handling increased domestic responsibilities or engaging in activities related to supporting the troops, such as sewing or reading news of the conflict. The detailed composition, typical of publishing standards during the 1851 to 1875 period, contrasts the traditional expectations of womanhood with the harsh realities of wartime necessity.

The quality of the wood engraving, despite being produced quickly for mass publication, demonstrates Homer’s early mastery of illustrative narrative. His ability to distill complex social issues into clear visual representations cemented his reputation as one of the era’s leading visual commentators. This significant historical record reflects the profound cultural and social changes gripping the nation in the 1860s. Held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, the print Our Women and the War remains a vital resource for scholars and the general public, providing direct insight into the complex relationship between domestic life and military conflict. Works like this, key examples of early American prints, are frequently digitized, making them accessible through public domain collections worldwide.