Artwork

Thanksgiving in Camp [verso]

Thanksgiving in Camp [verso], by Winslow Homer, graphite, 1873
Thanksgiving in Camp [verso], by Winslow Homer, graphite, 1873

Thanksgiving in Camp [verso] is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Thanksgiving in Camp [verso] is a graphite drawing on wove paper by Winslow Homer, dated to 1873. The work features a faint, rough sketch of figures in the upper half, with the lower half predominantly blank except for indistinct scribbled notes.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a group of people gathered around an unspecified central point, suggesting a communal scene. The context of 'Thanksgiving' implies a celebration, though the drawing's sketchy nature leaves the specifics open to interpretation.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite, the drawing exhibits a loose, preliminary quality, characteristic of a sketch or study. The paper's condition, with brown spots and marks, reflects its age and handling.

History & Provenance

Created in 1873 by Winslow Homer, the drawing's provenance details are not specified here, though its existence as a verso piece suggests it may have been part of a larger collection or sketchbook.

Context

While the provided description does not directly link the work to a specific art movement, the mention of exploring Romanticism for similar styles hints at a broader artistic context, though Homer's work is more commonly associated with Realism.

Legacy

The legacy of 'Thanksgiving in Camp [verso]' is not detailed in the provided information, suggesting it may be more valued as a sketch representative of Homer's working process rather than a standalone, celebrated work.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Winslow Homer

Artist

Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer (February 24, 1836 – September 29, 1910) was an American landscape painter and illustrator, best known for his marine subjects.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.