Blackboard
1877 National Gallery of Art
About this artwork
This watercolor depicts a young female teacher standing in profile before a blackboard featuring geometric drawings. It is a notable work from Homer's post-Civil War period when he focused on scenes of everyday American life.
Did you know?
Winslow Homer was a master of capturing the nuance of American life during the late 19th century, and this work highlights his ability to find dignity and intrigue in the mundane atmosphere of a schoolhouse. The geometric shapes on the blackboard offer a subtle hint of the emerging emphasis on systematic education during the period. It remains a poignant example of Homer's transition from an illustrator for magazines to a celebrated fine art watercolorist.
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Blackboard
Winslow Homer, 1877
