Soldier Taking Aim [recto]

Winslow Homer

1864

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

About this work

This sketch shows a soldier bent forward, gripping a rifle with both hands. His body is angled sharply, like he’s aiming carefully. The background is just a few quick lines—maybe trees or brush—but the focus is on his tense posture. The drawing uses only black and white chalk, with some smudged areas where the artist pressed harder. It looks like a quick study, not a finished work. Next, check out Realism to see how artists like this one focused on everyday life.