The War – Making Havelocks for the Volunteers (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. 5, no. 235, cover)

The War – Making Havelocks for the Volunteers (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. 5, no. 235, cover) by Winslow Homer, created in 1861, is a significant early wood engraving documenting the immediate onset of the American Civil War. Published prominently as the cover of Harper's Weekly, the work immediately drew public attention to the essential patriotic efforts taking place on the northern home front.

The print depicts a group of women diligently engaged in sewing and material preparation, constructing necessary supplies for the Union army volunteers. Specifically, they are making "Havelocks," light cloth neck covers intended to protect soldiers from the sun and heat in the field—a critical need often overlooked during the rapid mobilization of troops. Homer’s composition emphasizes the earnest focus of the women, highlighting their indispensable role in supporting the war effort through organized, domestic labor.

Before achieving renown for his paintings, Homer established his reputation through detailed, narrative illustrative prints like this one. The medium of wood engraving allowed for rapid reproduction and wide dissemination of images, making it the primary visual tool for reporting wartime activities to the American public. The stark contrast characteristic of the print classification lends a sober gravity to the scene.

This influential work, which functions both as essential wartime reporting and as a visual statement on the contributions of women, resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It provides a foundational glimpse into the career of the young artist while powerfully capturing the unity and resolve of the Union citizenry during the early years of the conflict.