The Huntington Acquires Rare Civil War Painting

The Huntington announced today that it has acquired Winslow Homer’s The Sutler’s Tent (1863), a rare Civil War painting that documents the artist’s travels with the Union Army as an illustrator for Harper’s Weekly. The work depicts two cavalry soldiers at rest outside a sutler’s tent—a temporary shop that supplied troops in the field—and captures a moment of quiet reflection amid the turbulence of war. The painting will debut on Dec. 7 in the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art.  

The acquisition was made possible through The Huntington’s dedicated partnership with The Ahmanson Foundation to acquire masterworks for the Art Museum. The Foundation has dedicated this gift in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This marks the fifth major acquisition made through this art-focused program. 

“The Ahmanson Foundation’s partnership with The Huntington has allowed us to bring works of profound artistic and historical resonance into our collections and into public view,” said Karen R. Lawrence, president of The Huntington. “Winslow Homer’s The Sutler’s Tent—a meditation on the experience of war—embodies our mission to connect art, history, and literature in ways that deepen understanding of the American story.” 

The Sutler’s Tent will anchor a major reinstallation of the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art as part of the THIS LAND IS… initiative. The painting will appear alongside works exploring the Civil War and Reconstruction, including Eastman Johnson’s Sugaring Off (1865), Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux’s Why Born Enslaved! (1868, cast 1872), and a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation. 

The acquisition marks The Huntington’s  first oil painting by Winslow Homer, joining his watercolor Indians Making Canoes (Montagnais Indians) (1895), acquired as part of the Virginia Steele Scott collection. The museum also holds several prints of Homer’s work, including his iconic The Life Line (1887). Together, these works trace Homer’s evolution from Civil War illustrator to preeminent American painter. 

This new addition also strengthens one of The Huntington’s greatest scholarly assets—its renowned Civil War holdings. The Library’s collection is among the largest and most distinguished in the nation, encompassing the archive of the United States Military Telegraph, including ciphered communications between Abraham Lincoln and the Army command, soldiers’ letters and diaries, and rare printed materials from the era. It also includes the James E. Taylor Collection of scrapbooks documenting the war through photographs and newspaper clippings, as well as major archives related to Abraham Lincoln. These archives include the papers of Ward Hill Lamon (1828-1893), Lincoln’s close friend and biographer, and the extensive collection of Lincolniana assembled by Judd Stewart (1867–1919), one of the leading Lincoln collectors. Together, these two collections constitute two of the most significant Lincoln archives in existence. 

“Homer’s The Sutler’s Tent deepens our representation of the Civil War era and expands the dialogue between our art and library collections,” said  Christina Nielsen, Hannah and Russel Kully Director of the Art Museum. “As we look toward the 250th anniversary of the United States, the painting invites reflection on a pivotal chapter in our nation’s history—one that continues to shape the American experience.” 

Through this acquisition program, the Foundation has previously funded four other masterpieces: 

• Thomas Cole’s Portage Falls on the Genesee (ca. 1839)
• Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun’s Portrait of Joseph Hyacinthe François-de-Paule de Rigaud, comte de Vaudreuil (ca. 1784)
• Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes’ Portrait of José Antonio Caballero, Second Marqués de Caballero, Secretary of Grace and Justice (1807)
• Antoine-François Callet’s Portrait of the Comte de Cromot, Superintendent of the Comte de Provence, at an easel, accompanied by his two daughters-in-law (1787) 

The Ahmanson Foundation has been one of The Huntington’s most significant partners since 1976, supporting transformative projects across the institution—from the restoration of the historic Huntington Art Gallery to the expansion of the Chinese Garden. The addition of The Sutler’s Tent continues the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening The Huntington’s Art Museum collections. 

About The Ahmanson Foundation 

 
The Ahmanson Foundation serves Los Angeles County by funding cultural projects in the arts and humanities, education at all levels, health care, programs related to homelessness and underserved populations as well as a wide range of human services. By supporting nonprofit organizations that demonstrate sound fiscal management, efficient operation, and program integrity, the Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life and cultural legacy of the Los Angeles community. 

For press inquiries or to request high-resolution press images, email huntingtonnews@huntington.org. 

About The Huntington 

The Huntington, a world-renowned cultural and educational institution, provides transformative experiences for a community of the curious. Founded in 1919 by Henry E. and Arabella Huntington, it supports research and promotes public engagement through its expansive library, art, and botanical collections. By cultivating dynamic scholarship, creating innovative programs for students and lifelong learners, and sharing its extraordinary resources, The Huntington invites all on a journey of discovery, insight, and connection. Only 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles, The Huntington is located at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, California. Learn more at huntington.org.