Life in Camp, Part 2: Good Bye
Original title: Life in Camp, Part 2: Good Bye
kurzbeschreibung
A soldier and a woman fall into each other's arms in Winslow Homer's 1864 print 'Leben im Lager, Teil 2: Leb wohl.' This color lithograph, measuring 10.4 by 6.1 cm, captures a farewell embrace, with the soldier's pack adding a note of departure.
Description
Two figures dominate the image: a man in uniform with a cap and red jacket, and beside him a woman in a yellow dress, her blond hair tied in a ponytail. They hold each other close, and the man carries a knapsack with a red bag. Blue, red, and yellow set the tone, while frontal light falls on the figures and separates them from the evenly neutral background. The layout is centered, and at the bottom edge appear the words 'GOOD BYE.'
Context
During the American Civil War, Winslow Homer worked as an artist correspondent; this lithograph dates from that period. It belongs to a series of prints depicting camp life. Homer was near the front at the time and recorded scenes from soldiers' daily routines, which he later issued as lithographs.
Impact
A quiet yet distinctly emotional farewell mood emanates from the print. Clear colors and the central arrangement make the image immediate and memorable without slipping into sentimentality.
Technique
Multiple stones were used for the color printing, one each for blue, red, and yellow. The small format of 10.4 by 6.1 cm points to popular printmaking intended for wide distribution.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)