The Last Delegation from Georgia in the Congress of the United States

The Last Delegation from Georgia in the Congress of the United States by Winslow Homer is a significant wood engraving dating from the highly contentious period of 1855 to 1861. This early work by Homer classifies as a print and demonstrates the artist's developing skill in capturing dramatic public events. Created during a time when illustration was the primary means of mass communication, the wood engraving technique allowed for the rapid dissemination of politically charged imagery across the United States.

The subject matter documents a critical moment in American history: the withdrawal of Southern representatives from the federal legislature as states announced their secession from the Union. This act formalized the political rift that led directly to the Civil War. Homer, who would later serve as a combat artist and reporter, used the visual drama of the empty seats and departing figures to underscore the breakdown of national unity.

Homer established his reputation through these documentary prints, which served both journalistic and artistic purposes. The visual fidelity and emotional weight of this piece provide invaluable insight into the atmosphere of tension prevailing in Washington D.C. just before the outbreak of hostilities. This historical print is preserved within the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Its importance as a document of American political crisis ensures that high-quality prints and digital assets are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, offering broad access to Homer’s formative observations of the era.