N. C. Wyeth was commissioned to paint this work as part of a set of illustrations for a special edition of James Boyd's (1888-1944) renowned Revolutionary War-era novel Drums, published in 1928. As the book's front and back endpaper image, Wyeth's horizontal composition encourages the viewer to fall in line with the marching colonial troop and metaphorically enter the novel's narrative. The scene's cool, silvery tonality sets a serious mood for Boyd's story.
One of the most popular American artists of the early 20th century, Wyeth produced more than 3,000 illustrations in addition to paintings and murals which showcase his technical skill and reveal his preference for historical subjects. Wyeth also founded a family dynasty of artists, including his son Andrew.
