Grant and Lincoln at City Point, Virginia [recto]

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: "Grant and Lincoln at City Point, Virginia." This intriguing drawing, created in 1865 by the renowned American artist Winslow Homer, offers us a glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history. Held in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, this work, measuring a modest 0.253 x 0.352 meters, captures the essence of a meeting between President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant during the final days of the Civil War. nn Rendered in subtle shades of beige, the drawing's limited color palette emphasizes the solemnity of the occasion. Homer masterfully uses line and form to depict the three figures outdoors, likely at City Point, Virginia, a crucial Union headquarters. While we don't see the men's faces, their postures and attire hint at the gravity of their meeting. The presence of trees or foliage, suggested with delicate strokes, provides a sense of place and perhaps alludes to the weighty decisions being made under their shade. nn "Grant and Lincoln at City Point, Virginia" is not just a drawing; it's a historical document frozen in time. It reminds us of the immense challenges faced by these leaders and the pivotal role they played in shaping the nation's future. Homer's simple yet powerful composition allows us to imagine ourselves present at this historic encounter, eavesdropping on a conversation that would shape the course of American history.