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Winslow Homer
'May Day in the Country, ' original woodcut engraving by Winslow Homer

1859

About the Item

The present woodcut engraving is an original print designed by Winslow Homer, originally published in Harper's Weekly on April 30, 1859. It is an excellent example of the many prints Homer produced of fashionable people engaged in leisurely activities, in this case along a picturesque countryside lane. The sign reading 'Belmont' on the left indicates this is probably near his home in Belmont Massachusetts. The image presents multiple figures, both men and women, riding horseback: Some in the distance gallop away, toward a town marked by a church steeple beyond. Three others in the foreground, including two equestrian women, gather around a group of children who have been gathering flowers and trapping birds. Another of the children holds a pole with a May Day wreath at its top. The print thus not only celebrates the holiday, but also modern life and the modern woman. 9.5 x 13.75 inches, artwork 18.50 x 23.25 inches, frame Entitled "May Day in the Country" bottom center (covered by matting) Framed to conservation standards using archival materials including 100 percent rag matting, museum glass, and housed in a toned silver gilt moulding In excellent condition; some minor toning to paper Winslow Homer (February 24, 1836 – September 29, 1910) was an American landscape painter and printmaker, best known for his marine subjects. He is considered one of the foremost painters in 19th-century America and a preeminent figure in American art. Largely self-taught, Homer began his career working as a commercial illustrator. He subsequently took up oil painting and produced major studio works characterized by the weight and density he exploited from the medium. He also worked extensively in watercolor, creating a fluid and prolific oeuvre, primarily chronicling his working vacations. Homer's career as an illustrator lasted nearly twenty years. He contributed illustrations of Boston life and rural New England life to magazines such as Ballou's Pictorial and Harper's Weekly at a time when the market for illustrations was growing rapidly and fads and fashions were changing quickly. His early works, mostly commercial engravings of urban and country social scenes, are characterized by clean outlines, simplified forms, dramatic contrast of light and dark, and lively figure groupings — qualities that remained important throughout his career. His quick success was mostly due to this strong understanding of graphic design and also to the adaptability of his designs to wood engraving.
  • Creator:
    Winslow Homer (1836 - 1910, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1859
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Width: 23.25 in (59.06 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    In excellent condition. Some minor toning to paper. Housed in new frame.
  • Gallery Location:
    Milwaukee, WI
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 8567g1stDibs: LU60536116702
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