The Union Cavalry and Artillery Starting in Pursuit of the Rebels up the Yorktown Turnpike

The Union Cavalry and Artillery Starting in Pursuit of the Rebels up the Yorktown Turnpike is a significant wood engraving created by the American artist Winslow Homer in 1862. This powerful print captures a pivotal moment early in the American Civil War, specifically referencing the Union Army's movements along the critical Yorktown Turnpike during the Peninsular Campaign. Homer, working as an artist-correspondent for illustrated magazines during this turbulent period (1851 to 1875), specialized in rapid, journalistic depictions of military life.

The piece focuses on the momentum of the advancing Union forces. Through the high contrast and precision required of the wood engraving technique, Homer depicts a line of cavalry leading the charge, followed closely by the heavy artillery corps. This medium allowed for quick reproduction and distribution, making such prints vital for informing the public about the conflict’s progress. Homer frequently employed dynamic compositions in his wartime subjects, lending a sense of urgency and realism to the scene. The visual narrative emphasizes the readiness and organization of the troops as they engage in the pursuit of the retreating Confederate forces.

As an important piece of American visual history, this work illustrates the logistical reality faced by soldiers during the Civil War. It stands as a crucial example within the body of American prints documenting the conflict. The popularity of these rapid-fire illustrations cemented Homer's reputation as a masterful observer of contemporary life, paving the way for his later career. This historically valuable print is preserved in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, providing historians and art enthusiasts access to authentic documentation from the 1860s.