Boys in a Dory
1880 Smithsonian American Art Museum
About this artwork
This watercolor depicts three boys in a small dory boat on a calm sea, with distant sailboats visible on the horizon. The work exemplifies Homer's mastery of the watercolor medium to capture light and atmosphere on the water.
Did you know?
Winslow Homer spent the summer of 1880 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where he shifted his focus from scenes of rural life to the sea. This period marked a transformative turning point in his career, as he began to master watercolor to capture the fleeting, reflective qualities of the Atlantic coast. The dory became a recurring motif in his work, symbolizing both the hard work of the local fishing industry and the leisurely experiences of youth on the water.
On your wall. Unlock the 4K download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
Boys in a Dory
Winslow Homer, 1880
