This rare, large chromolithograph is based on one of Winslow Homer's most important and famous early oil paintings, The Bright Side, from 1865. The painting was famous for being the first example of Homer's depiction of "Blacks" in a starring role. This edition, Army Teamsters, was adapted from The Bright Side and includes more detail in the background. The image depicts four black Union Army mule drivers relaxing in front of their tent while serving with the Union Army in Virginia. The chromolithograph was produced by The Riverside Press and distributed by Lawson Valentine for marketing purposes. In the lower-right corner is an inscription reading "Compliments of Lawson Valentine." On verso is printed "Reproduced in Fac-similie / from the Original Painting by Winslow Homer / (Owned by Lawson Valentine) / for Lawson Valentine Co. / By Armstrong & Co. Lithographers / the Riverside Press / Cambridge, Mass." with a vignette of a mill, presumably Valentine's factory.

References:

Condition: C

Mounted on linen, as issued, with minute surface abrasions and a few small cracks and chips along edge, some repaired with cello tape on verso. There is a 2" crack at top left and a few small severed pieces in top right corner that have also been repaired with cello tape on verso.