Christmas Boxes in Camp--Christmas, 1861
Winslow Homer
American Art
Homer created this lighthearted image while camping with the Union army in Virginia as a “special artist” covering the front lines for Harper’s Weekly. In it the soldiers have tossed aside their books and tracts in favor of newly delivered socks, mittens, and home-cooked treats. The somewhat sentimental engraving illustrates the spontaneous joy that Christmas presents inspired among the soldiers. Ultimately, the illustration was meant to lift the spirits of the dedicated women who sent such packages to the front.
MEDIUM
Wood engraving
DATES
1862
DIMENSIONS
Image: 11 1/8 x 9 1/8 in. (28.3 x 23.2 cm)
Sheet: 15 1/8 x 10 in. (38.4 x 25.4 cm)
Frame: 22 3/4 x 16 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (57.8 x 42.5 x 3.8 cm)
ACCESSION NUMBER
1998.105.66
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Harvey Isbitts
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
RECORD COMPLETENESS
Not every record you will find here is complete. More information is available for some works than for others, and some entries have been updated more recently. Records are frequently reviewed and revised, and
we welcome any additional information you might have.
