Soldiers felling sapling, and weaving saplings into baskets [verso]

The work titled Soldiers felling sapling, and weaving saplings into baskets [verso] was created by Winslow Homer in 1862. Executed in graphite on straw paper, this American drawing offers a crucial, observational glimpse into the daily activities of Union soldiers during the early years of the Civil War. This specific period, spanning 1851 to 1875, was foundational for Homer’s artistic career, during which he served as a correspondent artist documenting the conflict away from the major battles.

Homer captured the less glamorous, routine tasks essential for maintaining a functional military camp. The sketch depicts soldiers engaged in necessary manual labor-felling a sapling and utilizing the raw materials to weave baskets, likely for camp use, storage, or transporting goods. This detail-oriented focus on subsistence and material culture is characteristic of Homer's early documentary approach, which emphasized realism over idealized battlefield heroics. As he was often working quickly in the field, this drawing reflects the rapid, assured technique required for immediate reportage.

The piece highlights Homer's developing mastery of realistic observation within the context of American history. This drawing resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, forming an important record of the wartime experience. Due to its historical significance, high-quality images and prints of similar works by Homer are often available through public domain resources, allowing scholars and the public broad access to his documentation of the era. The work serves as a valuable document illustrating the logistics and human cost of sustaining a massive military force during the Civil War.