Study for "Army Boots" [verso]

The drawing Study for "Army Boots" [verso] by Winslow Homer, created in 1865, is a significant preparatory work reflecting the artist's intense engagement with the American Civil War period and its immediate aftermath. Executed using graphite and white chalk on wove paper, this drawing demonstrates Homer’s precise observational skills as he developed ideas for a larger, finished composition, which would eventually become the definitive image of discarded military gear. The work is classified as a drawing, illustrating the artist’s mastery of linear technique during the critical years spanned by the period 1851 to 1875.

Homer, who spent time documenting the conflict as an illustrator, frequently focused on the mundane yet symbolic details of soldier life. This particular study focuses intently on the heavy, worn nature of military footwear, likely the iconic cavalry or infantry boots that defined the daily existence of the Union soldier. The medium is handled expertly; the underlying graphite establishes sharp outlines and shadow, while the sparing application of white chalk serves to suggest highlights and volume. This technique gives the objects a tangible weight and texture essential for conveying the psychological resonance of the final composition, which explores themes of abandonment and the conclusion of the war.

This piece provides crucial insight into Homer's artistic process during a transformative era in American history. As one of the most important American artists of his generation, Homer's sketches and studies remain highly valued references for scholars. The careful depiction of the subject reflects the culture’s post-war reckoning with the physical residue of conflict. The work resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Because of its historical importance and the artist’s prominence, high-quality photographic prints and educational materials derived from the original artwork are often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to this detailed look at Civil War paraphernalia.