Who painted Line-ups and Trenches [recto]?

Line-ups and Trenches [recto] was painted by Winslow Homer in 1864.

Where can I see Line-ups and Trenches [recto]?

Line-ups and Trenches [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Line-ups and Trenches [recto]?

Line-ups and Trenches [recto] is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Line-ups and Trenches [recto]?

Museum-quality prints of Line-ups and Trenches [recto] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Line-ups and Trenches [recto]

Winslow Homer , 1864

Line-ups and Trenches [recto] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:upper right in graphite: 2; center right in graphite: B Sien

About this work

Overview

Created in 1864, Line-ups and Trenches [recto] is a graphite drawing on wove paper by American artist Winslow Homer. The work records two separate military scenes within a single sheet, rendered in monochrome tones that emphasize form and atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The upper half depicts a line of soldiers lying low in a trench, with distant trees and a fence suggesting a defensive position. Below, five figures in hats are shown in various poses, walking, crouching, or seated, each carrying a simple bag and a rifle, conveying the routine of camp life during the Civil War.

Technique & Style

Homer employed rapid, gestural graphite strokes, producing a sketch-like quality that captures movement and immediacy. The drawing relies on a limited palette of gray and brown, while the paper’s worn surface and faint creases add texture and a sense of age to the composition.

History & Provenance

The piece dates to the height of the American Civil War, a period when Homer served as an artist-correspondent for Harper's Weekly. It reflects his on‑the‑ground observations, though specific details of its acquisition or exhibition history are not recorded in the available sources.