What might the woman in this painting be thinking about?

🥁In the background, Union soldiers march to Andersonville, a Georgia prison camp where many Union soldiers died. She may be hoping for an end to the war, worrying about her family, or wondering which side would win.

Notice the drinking gourds—also known as dippers—on the ground near her.

🌌Everyday tools for drinking water, gourds were also a symbol for the Big Dipper, which helped freedom seekers locate the North Star that would guide their way. Winslow Homer, Near Andersonville, 1865-1866
Oil on canvas, 23 x 18 in.
Gift of Mrs. Hannah Corbin Carter, Horace K. Corbin, Jr., Robert S. Corbin, William D. Corbin and Mrs. Clementine Corbin Day in memory of their parents Hannah Stockton Corbin and Horace Kellogg Corbin, 1966 66.354 #winslowhomer #nmoa #northstar