Exceptional oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, and prints from the Gallery's extensive holdings by distinguished American artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910) were on view in the National Gallery of Art's East Building, July 3, 2005–February 26, 2006. Winslow Homer in the National Gallery of Art spans the artist's entire career from his early oils, such as the Civil War scene Home, Sweet Home (c.1863) to late masterful watercolors including Key West, Hauling Anchor (1903). Approximately 50 works from the Gallery's collection are included in this special survey exhibition.
The exhibition began with Homer's insightful portrayal of the Civil War with the oil Home, Sweet Home (1863)
and the wood engraving The Army of the Potomac—A Sharp-Shooter on Picket Duty (published c. 1862).
At the start of the Civil War in 1861, Homer was already working as an illustrator for Harper's Weekly and after visiting the front, became an artist-correspondent for the publication. Instead of combat scenes, Homer depicted the lives of ordinary soldiers between battles.
After the war, Homer returned to coastal and rural scenes of peacetime America, as seen in the oil Breezing Up (A Fair Wind) (1873-1876)
and the watercolor The Sick Chicken (1874). He also explored the various occupations of women in the watercolors
Blackboard (1877)
and The Milk Maid (1878),
and scenes of childhood in the wood engraving Snap-the-Whip (published 1873)
and the watercolor Four Boys on a Beach (c. 1873).
In 1880 Homer left the United States for England, where he lived in the small fishing village of Cullercoats, on the North Sea, for two years. While there he documented the difficult lives of the men and women whose livelihoods depended on the sea. Moving away from the more celebratory mood found in his images of American life in the 1870s, Homer now began creating works with a greater sense of gravity and seriousness. Of particular interest to him were the activities of the women who remained onshore while the men went out to fish, and the exhibition includes works such as
Mending the Nets (1882)
and Sparrow Hall (c. 1881-1882) that movingly chronicle the seemingly difficult unending labors of their lives.
Upon Homer's return to the U.S., he settled permanently in Prout's Neck, Maine. Over the next several years, his work was filled with themes based on man's life and death struggle with the sea. In 1884, Homer began traveling to warmer, more tropical places such as the Bahamas, Cuba, Florida, and Bermuda. His dazzling watercolors of these places with their spontaneous, informal compositions and vibrant colors are unprecedented in his career.
In Salt Kettle, Bermuda (1899)
and Key West, Hauling Anchor (1903), Homer portrays island scenery as well as the day-to-day activities of its inhabitants.
In the last decade of his life Homer painted less frequently; however, the works from this period include some of the most ambitious and complex pictures of his career. Completed about a year and a half before Homer died, his last great painting
Right and Left (1909) is both a sporting picture and a reflection on life and death.
Two ducks are represented at the moment when a hunter in a boat has fired at them. The painting summarizes the creative complexity of Homer's late style with its unconventional point of view and diverse sources of inspiration, from the Japanese print to popular hunting imagery.
Works Included In The Exhibition:
Winslow Homer
Autumn, 1877
oil on canvas, 97.1 x 58.9 cm (38 1/4 x 23 3/16); framed: 126.4 x 91.1 x 7.9 cm (49 3/4 x 35
7/8 x 3 1/8)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1985.64.22
233-001.jpg
Winslow Homer
Breezing Up (A Fair Wind), 1873-1876
oil on canvas, 61.5 x 97 cm (24 3/16 x 38 3/16); framed: 90.5 x 126.4 cm (35 5/8 x 49 3/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of the W. L. and May T. Mellon Foundation,
1943.13.1
233-002.jpg
Winslow Homer
Dad's Coming!, 1873
oil on wood, 22.9 x 34.9 cm (9 x 13 3/4); framed: 31.4 x 43.2 x 5.1 cm (12 3/8 x 17 x 2)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 2001.97.1
233-003.jpg
Winslow Homer
The Dinner Horn (Blowing the Horn at Seaside), 1870
oil on canvas, 48.9 x 34.9 cm (19 1/4 x 13 3/4); framed: 67.6 x 53.3 x 5.7 cm (26 5/8 x 21 x 2
1/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1994.59.2
233-004.jpg
Winslow Homer
Home, Sweet Home, c. 1863
oil on canvas, 54.6 x 41.9 cm (21 1/2 x 16 1/2); framed: 77.2 x 64 x 7.6 cm (30 3/8 x 25 3/16
x 3)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1997.72.1
233-005.jpg
Winslow Homer
Hound and Hunter, 1892
oil on canvas, 71.8 x 122.3 cm (28 1/4 x 48 1/8); framed: 102.2 x 151.8 x 10.2 cm (40 1/4 x
59 3/4 x 4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Stephen C. Clark, 1947.11.1
233-006.jpg
Winslow Homer
The Red School House, 1873
oil on canvas, 55.5 x 39.5 cm (21 7/8 x 15 9/16); framed: 65.4 x 49.9 x 4.4 cm (25 3/4 x 19
5/8 x 1 3/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1985.64.21
233-007.jpg
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National Gallery of Art Press Office | Winslow Homer in the National Gallery of Art
Catalog# Object All dimensions listed in centimeters followed by inches. jpeg file name
Winslow Homer
Right and Left, 1909
oil on canvas, 71.8 x 122.9 cm (28 1/4 x 48 3/8); framed: 105.4 x 156.8 x 10.2 cm (41 1/2 x
61 3/4 x 4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of the Avalon Foundation, 1951.8.1
233-008.jpg
Winslow Homer
Sparrow Hall, c. 1881-1882
oil on canvas, 39.4 x 56.5 cm (15 1/2 x 22 1/4)
233-009.jpg
Winslow Homer
Two Scouts, 1887
watercolor over graphite on wove paper, 50.5 x 35.4 cm (19 15/16 x 13 15/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Nancy Voorhees, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary
of the National Gallery of Art, 1992.6.1
233-010.jpg
Winslow Homer
Casting, Number Two, 1894
watercolor over graphite, 38.4 x 54.4 cm (15 1/16 x 21 7/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.2
233-011.jpg
Winslow Homer
The Coming Storm, 1901
watercolor over graphite, 36.9 x 53.5 cm (14 1/2 x 21 1/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.3
233-012.jpg
Winslow Homer
Four Boys on a Beach, c. 1873
graphite with watercolor and gouache on wove paper, 14.1 x 34 cm (5 9/16 x 13 7/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, John Davis Hatch Collection, Andrew W. Mellon Fund,
1979.19.1
233-013.jpg
Winslow Homer
Girl Carrying a Basket, 1882
watercolor over graphite, 37.2 x 55.2 cm (14 5/8 x 21 3/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.4
233-014.jpg
Winslow Homer
A Good Shot, Adirondacks, 1892
watercolor, 38.2 x 54.5 cm (15 x 21 7/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.5
233-015.jpg
Winslow Homer
Key West, Hauling Anchor, 1903
watercolor over graphite, 35.5 x 55.5 cm (14 x 21 7/8)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.9
233-016.jpg
Winslow Homer
Mending the Nets, 1882
watercolor and gouache over graphite, 69.5 x 48.9 cm (27 3/8 x 19 1/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Bequest of Julia B. Engel, 1984.58.3
233-017.jpg
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National Gallery of Art Press Office | Winslow Homer in the National Gallery of Art
Catalog# Object All dimensions listed in centimeters followed by inches. jpeg file name
Winslow Homer
The Milk Maid, 1878
watercolor over graphite, 50.3 x 36 cm (19 3/4 x 14 3/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.11
233-018.jpg
Winslow Homer
Native Huts, Nassau, 1885
watercolor, graphite, and gouache on wove paper, 36.8 x 53.5 cm (14 1/2 x 21 1/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1994.59.20
233-019.jpg
Winslow Homer
On the Trail, c. 1892
watercolor over graphite, 32.1 x 50.5 cm (12 5/8 x 19 7/8)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.12
233-020.jpg
Winslow Homer
On the Sands, 1881
watercolor and gouache with pen and black ink over graphite, 33.5 x 47.5 cm (13 3/16 x 18
11/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Bequest of Julia B. Engel, 1984.58.1
233-021.jpg
Winslow Homer
On the Stile, c. 1878
watercolor, gouache, and graphite on wove paper, 22 x 28.3 cm (8 11/16 x 11 1/8)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1994.59.23
233-022.jpg
Winslow Homer
Red Shirt, Homosassa, Florida, 1904
watercolor over graphite, 35.7 x 50.1 cm (13 7/8 x 19 3/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.13
233-023.jpg
Winslow Homer
Salt Kettle, Bermuda, 1899
watercolor over graphite, 35.5 x 53.3 cm (13 15/16 x 21)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.15
233-024.jpg
Winslow Homer
The Sick Chicken, 1874
watercolor, gouache, and graphite on wove paper, 24.7 x 19.7 cm (9 3/4 x 7 3/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1994.59.21
233-025.jpg
Winslow Homer
Sketch for "Hound and Hunter", 1892
watercolor, 35.4 x 50.7 cm (13 15/16 x 20)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.7
233-026.jpg
Winslow Homer
Fresh Eggs, 1874
watercolor, gouache, and graphite on wove paper, 23.7 x 19.3 cm (9 5/16 x 7 5/8)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1994.59.26
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National Gallery of Art Press Office | Winslow Homer in the National Gallery of Art
Catalog# Object All dimensions listed in centimeters followed by inches. jpeg file name
Winslow Homer
Girl with Hay Rake, 1878
watercolor, 17.6 x 21.4 cm (6 15/16 x 8 7/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.17
Winslow Homer
Incoming Tide, Scarboro, Maine, 1883
watercolor, 38.1 x 54.8 cm (15 x 21 1/2)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.8
Winslow Homer
On the Fence, 1878
watercolor, gouache, and graphite on wove paper, 28.6 x 22.1 cm (11 1/4 x 8 11/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1994.59.22
Winslow Homer
The Rise, 1900
watercolor over graphite, 34.8 x 52.7 cm (13 3/4 x 20 3/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.14
Winslow Homer
Warm Afternoon (Shepherdess), 1878
watercolor, gouache, and graphite on gray-green paper faded to brown, 17.7 x 21.3 cm (6
15/16 x 8 3/8)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1994.59.24
Winslow Homer
Blackboard, 1877
watercolor on wove paper; laid down, 50.2 x 32.4 cm (19 3/4 x 12 3/4); support: 55 x 38.8
cm (21 5/8 x 15 1/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift (Partial and Promised) of Jo Ann and Julian Ganz,
Jr., in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1990.60.1
233-034.jpg
Winslow Homer
Zouave, 1864
black and white chalk on olive-green wove paper, 40.3 x 19.2 cm (15 9/16 x 7 13/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, John Davis Hatch Collection, Avalon Fund, 1982.4.2
233-035.jpg
Winslow Homer
Two of Sheridan's Scouts, 1865
graphite on wove paper, sheet: 34 x 25.4 cm (13 3/8 x 10)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Dr. Edmund Louis Gray Zalinski, II, 1996.121.18
Winslow Homer
Eight Bells, 1887
etching
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of John W. Beatty, Jr., 1964.4.7
233-037.jpg
Winslow Homer
Mending Nets, 1888
etching
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of John W. Beatty, Jr., 1964.4.9
233-038.jpg
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National Gallery of Art Press Office | Winslow Homer in the National Gallery of Art
Catalog# Object All dimensions listed in centimeters followed by inches. jpeg file name
Winslow Homer
Saved, 1889
etching
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of John W. Beatty, Jr., 1964.4.10
233-039.jpg
after Winslow Homer
The Army of the Potomac - A Sharp-Shooter on Picket Duty, published 1862
wood engraving on newsprint, image: 23.2 x 35 cm (9 1/8 x 13 3/4); sheet: 28.7 x 41.9 cm (11
1/4 x 16 1/2)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Avalon Fund, 1986.31.75
233-040.jpg
after Winslow Homer
1860-1870, published 1870
wood engraving on newsprint, image: 34.2 x 52 cm (13 7/16 x 20 7/16); sheet, torn: 40.6 x 55
cm (16 x 21 5/8)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Avalon Fund, 1986.31.267
Lagarde after Winslow Homer
Snap-the-Whip, published 1873
wood engraving on newsprint, image: 34.5 x 52.4 cm (13 9/16 x 20 5/8); sheet: 41.3 x 56.2
cm (16 1/4 x 22 1/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Avalon Fund, 1986.31.268
after Winslow Homer
Ship-Building, Gloucester Harbor, published 1873
wood engraving on newsprint, image: 23.4 x 34.6 cm (9 3/16 x 13 9/16); sheet: 28 x 40.6 cm
(11 1/16 x 16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Avalon Fund, 1986.31.119
233-043.jpg
Winslow Homer
Signature in Palette
pen and brown ink on wove paper, 6.4 x 12 cm (2 1/2 x 4 3/4)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, John Davis Hatch Collection, 1979.20.57
Winslow Homer
Study for "Army Boots" (verso), 1865
graphite and white chalk on wove paper, sheet: 35.2 x 25.4 cm (13 7/8 x 10)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Dr. Edmund Louis Gray Zalinski, II, 1996.121.6.b
Winslow Homer
Breezing Up, c. 1879
graphite highlighted with black crayon and white chalk on wove paper, image: 13.5 x 22.3 cm
(5 5/16 x 8 3/4); sheet: 24.4 x 33.5 cm (9 5/8 x 13 3/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, John Davis Hatch Collection, Avalon Fund, 1981.4.5
Winslow Homer
Soldier Taking Aim, 1864
black and white chalk over graphite on brown wove paper, 30.9 x 23.7 cm (12 3/16 x 9 5/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, John Davis Hatch Collection, Avalon Fund, 1982.4.1
Winslow Homer
Hauling in the Nets, 1887
watercolor over graphite, 35.5 x 51 cm (14 x 20)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.6
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National Gallery of Art Press Office | Winslow Homer in the National Gallery of Art
Catalog# Object All dimensions listed in centimeters followed by inches. jpeg file name
Winslow Homer
The Lone Fisherman, 1889
watercolor over graphite, 35.5 x 50.6 cm (13 15/16 x 19 15/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Ruth K. Henschel in memory of her husband,
Charles R. Henschel, 1975.92.10
Winslow Homer
Danger, 1883 and 1887
watercolor and gouache over graphite, 37.5 x 53.5 cm (14 3/4 x 21 1/16)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Bequest of Julia B. Engel, 1984.58.2
after Winslow Homer
"Dad's Coming!", published 1873
wood engraving
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Print Purchase Fund (Rosenwald Collection), 1958.3.6
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