Two Soldiers Resting [verso]

Two Soldiers Resting [verso] by Winslow Homer, executed in 1862, is an intimate graphite drawing on wove paper. Classified specifically as a Drawing, this piece captures a spontaneous moment, likely observed during the height of the American Civil War. The designation "[verso]" indicates that this sketch occupies the reverse side of a sheet, suggesting a quick study or an economical use of materials typical of a working artist capturing scenes rapidly in the field.

Homer, who often served as an illustrator covering the war for publications like Harper's Weekly, utilized these rapid sketches to inform his later, more detailed paintings and wood engravings. This specific work, created during the defining American conflict of the 1860s, falls squarely within the art period spanning 1851 to 1875. The subject matter is poignant: two figures, identified as soldiers, pause their duty to rest, likely tired from marching or campaigning. Homer’s focus here is on the human reality of the war, moving beyond the grand battlefield narratives to document the quiet downtime experienced by the common Union or Confederate soldier.

As a primary document illustrating a key aspect of American cultural history, the drawing is an important contribution to Homer's early career documentation. It showcases his emerging ability to render figures realistically and sensitively using only line and shadow. The piece is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it serves as a valuable resource for scholars examining the visual documentation of the conflict. Because drawings from this era often enter the public domain, high-quality prints and reproductions of important works like Two Soldiers Resting [verso] help ensure this critical record of nineteenth-century American life remains accessible globally.