The Grand Review at Camp Massachusetts, near Concord, September 9, 1859

The Grand Review at Camp Massachusetts, near Concord, September 9, 1859 by Winslow Homer is a significant early work created in 1859. Classified as a print, the image was produced using the demanding technique of wood engraving, which allowed for rapid reproduction and wide circulation in the burgeoning American illustrated press of the era. This crucial early period captures Homer before his full transition to oil painting, specializing instead in reportorial illustration for major publications distributed across the United States. The piece documents a large-scale military exercise, providing a valuable visual record of the state of readiness and public interest in military affairs just two years before the outbreak of the Civil War.

Homer captured the precise formality and scale of the review, depicting uniformed soldiers marching in tight formation before a large crowd of civilian spectators and dignitaries. The composition successfully emphasizes both the rigid, geometric lines of the participating regiments and the lively atmosphere of a major public spectacle. Homer’s early training allowed him to expertly utilize the stark contrast capabilities inherent in the wood engraving medium, lending immediate clarity and depth to the bustling scene.

This type of documentary illustration solidified Homer’s reputation as a key visual commentator on American culture and pivotal historical moments in the mid-19th century. Since these historical prints were widely disseminated through period publications, the widespread availability and study of high-resolution images of this work today benefit from its classification within the public domain. This important historical document, chronicling a moment of burgeoning national awareness in the United States, is held in the comprehensive collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.