A Bivouac Fire on the Potomac

Artist:

Winslow Homer

(American, 1836 - 1910)

A Bivouac Fire on the Potomac

Medium: Wood engraving on paper
Date: 1861
Dimensions:
16 × 22 in. (40.7 × 55.9 cm)
Accession number: 2003.2.45
Curatorial RemarksThis wood engraving was based on many sketches that Homer made while traveling with the Army of the Potomac in October 1861. The image offers a glimpse of ways soldiers passed evenings in camp. It focuses on the men's expressions and their activities, and on the lively dancing figure illuminated by the firelight.