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The Surgeon at Work at the Rear During an Engagement
186211 x 13 3/4 in. (27.9 x 34.9 cm)
Winslow Homer
United States (Boston, MA, 1836 - 1910, Prout's Neck, ME)
Object Type:
Print
Medium and Support:
Wood engraving
Credit Line:
Gift of Howard and Florence Merritt
Accession Number:
1986.28
Location: Not currently on view
Winslow Homer, who became one of America’s major painters, brought the Civil War to the home front with his illustrations in Harper’s Weekly magazine. With this engraving in the July 12, 1862 issue appeared the following commentary about the heroic role the surgeon played in the war:
The “Surgeon at Work” introduces us to the most painful scene on the battle-field. Away in the rear, under the green flag, which is always respected among civilized soldiers, the surgeon and his assistants receive the poor wounded soldiers, and swiftly minister to their needs. Arteries are tied, ligatures and tourniquets applied, flesh wounds hastily dressed, broken limbs set, and sometimes, where haste is essential, amputations performed within sight and sound of the cannon. Of all officers the surgeon is often the one who requires most nerve and most courage. The swaying tide of battle frequently makes him a prisoner, and sometimes brutal soldiers will take a flying shot at him as they pass.
The “Surgeon at Work” introduces us to the most painful scene on the battle-field. Away in the rear, under the green flag, which is always respected among civilized soldiers, the surgeon and his assistants receive the poor wounded soldiers, and swiftly minister to their needs. Arteries are tied, ligatures and tourniquets applied, flesh wounds hastily dressed, broken limbs set, and sometimes, where haste is essential, amputations performed within sight and sound of the cannon. Of all officers the surgeon is often the one who requires most nerve and most courage. The swaying tide of battle frequently makes him a prisoner, and sometimes brutal soldiers will take a flying shot at him as they pass.
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Bibliography
This object has the following bibliographic references:
- Barbara Gelman. The Wood Engravings of Winslow Homer. New York, NY: Bounty Books, 1969.
- Article Title: Journal Illustrations from Designs by Winslow Homer 1859-1866. Article Scope: Entry. Lloyd Goodrich. Record of Works by Winslow Homer. New York, NY: Spanierman Gallery, 2005-. Volume Number: I Page Number: 372
- Article Scope: Mention and reproduction. David Tatham. Winslow Homer and the Pictorial Press. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2003.
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