Our Women in the War

"Our Women in the War," created by Winslow Homer (American, 1836-1910) and published in Harper's Weekly in 1862, is a seminal work of Civil War era visual journalism. Rendered as a wood engraving on paper, this classification of prints was critical for the rapid dissemination of news and evocative imagery across the United States during the conflict. Homer, who was working as a special artist-correspondent for the influential illustrated newspaper, shifted his focus in this instance from the direct reporting of battle lines to the crucial activities occurring on the home front.

The piece provides a poignant commentary on the essential, often overlooked, contributions of women during the war. Homer’s nuanced depiction examines how the conflict redefined gender roles, demanding profound societal mobilization. His characteristic precision in draftsmanship is evident, even within the commercial limitations inherent to mass-produced wood engraving prints, lending documentary clarity to the scene. The composition captures women engaged in vital supportive roles-whether nursing the wounded, sewing uniforms, or preparing supplies for the troops-demonstrating the breadth of commitment across the nation.

As a historically significant depiction from the American Civil War, this work resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The piece offers scholars and enthusiasts important insight into the visual culture of the 1860s, documenting how illustrated newspapers shaped public perception. Due to the age and prominence of this work, high-quality images and prints derived from the original often enter the public domain, ensuring broad accessibility for research and educational purposes.