Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

The scene depicts a lone farmer, his back to the viewer, reaping a field of golden wheat under a vast, open sky. He wields a scythe with both hands, slicing through the dense waves of grain, creating a stark contrast between the man’s form and the undulating sea of wheat. The simplicity of the scene belies its deeper symbolism.

The farmer is dressed in plain, homespun clothing, with the wide-brimmed hat shielding his face from the view. This anonymity turns him into an Everyman figure, representing the countless veterans who returned to civilian life after the Civil War. The use of a scythe, an ancient tool linked to the Grim Reaper, introduces a poignant symbol of both life and death. The scythe swings, not only to harvest crops but also as a reminder of the harrowing war experiences and the lives lost during the Civil War. The lush, ripe wheat evokes themes of renewal and the continuation of life, while the solitary figure epitomizes quiet perseverance and the notion of starting anew.

Winslow Homer (1836-1910) is considered one of the foremost American painters of the 19th century, renowned for his masterful depictions of everyday life and the American landscape. He began his career as a commercial illustrator before turning to painting and watercolor.

"The Veteran in a New Field" was created during a transformative era in Homer’s career, as he moved from magazine illustration towards fine art. The end of the Civil War marked a significant thematic shift in Homer’s work, focusing more on the somber aftermath of conflict and the return to domestic life.

"The Veteran in a New Field" reflects the Realist movement's emphasis on depicting everyday activities and ordinary people with a truthful, unembellished lens. It highlights Homer’s keen eye for detail and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple compositions.

This painting is notably significant in its representation of the post-Civil War landscape in America. The war had just ended in April 1865, and Homer’s painting, completed in the same year, captures the immediate aftermath. It speaks to the nation's collective sigh of relief at the end of the conflict and taps into the national mood of rebuilding and reconciliation.

The Met’s acquisition of "The Veteran in a New Field" solidifies its historical importance, allowing it to be viewed and appreciated by generations seeking insight into America's past and the enduring power of Homer’s work.

In summary, "The Veteran in a New Field" by Winslow Homer is a masterful and moving work that embodies themes of transition, renewal, and the enduring spirit of the American people during a time of profound change. It remains a poignant testament to Homer’s skill and the broader narrative of American history.