Artwork
Defiance: Inviting a Shot Before Petersburg
Defiance: Inviting a Shot Before Petersburg is an oil painting by the Realist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
About this work
Overview
Defiance: Inviting a Shot Before Petersburg is an oil painting created by Winslow Homer in 1864, capturing a moment from the American Civil War.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a lone Union soldier standing in a trench near Petersburg, Virginia, with a rifle on his shoulder, gazing directly at the viewer with determination. Other soldiers are visible in the background, preparing for battle, creating an atmosphere of tension.
Technique & Style
Homer's use of muted colors and bold brushstrokes conveys a sense of drama and urgency. The composition is balanced around the central figure, drawing the viewer's eye to the soldier.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of Homer's output chronicling wartime scenes, marking his transition from commercial illustration to fine art. It is now held at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Winslow Homer (February 24, 1836 – September 29, 1910) was an American landscape painter and illustrator, best known for his marine subjects.
The Infantry Square
Insurrection episode
The Halt of the Line of Battle
Stormen på Frederiksstad den 4. oktober 1850
El descanso en la marcha
Attack of French Artillery
Stormen på Frederiksstad den 4. oktober 1850
In the field
The Morning After the Battle of Isted 25 July 1850
The Morning After the Battle of Isted 25 July 1850
Before the attack. At Plevna