This impressive work produces an almost endless stream of movement and details, providing a vitality and dynamism upon each new viewing. The theme at first seems a simple one: soldiers marching home from the war. However, upon closer inspection many intriguing details present themselves. For example, scott used his likeness for the two men in the lower left corner, appropriately one a soldier, the other an artist holding his sketchbook. Further details include two drummer boys, the lead drummer barefoot with his shoes hung round his neck and with leaves sticking out of his cap to protect his neck from the sun. Behind him are two soldiers leading a hay wagon, next to them two freed african americans carrying valises and one carrying a soldier's musket. What appears to be an officer lies atop the hay wagon under an umbrella. It has been commented that the mounted man following the wagon whose horse or mule helps himself to hay, bears a striking resemblance to robert e. Lee on traveller, but that is speculation. All in all, a wonderfully executed painting by a noted soldier and artist. Object Type: painting. Date: 1879. Dimensions: height: 52 cm (20.4 in); width: 84 cm (33 in). Medium: oil on canvas. Collection: Private collection. The Road March by Julian Scott, 1879
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