Eight Bells
1887 Metropolitan Museum of Art
About this artwork
This is a detailed etching depicting two sailors on the deck of a ship observing the horizon with navigational instruments. It captures the rugged life of maritime workers during the late 19th century.
Did you know?
Eight bells is a traditional nautical term signifying the end of a four-hour watch, suggesting the sailors are changing shifts after a long period of work. Winslow Homer was renowned for his dedication to realism, often spending significant time observing the sea and maritime life to ensure his portrayals were technically accurate and atmospheric. This work reflects the transition of his focus from journalistic illustration to complex, dramatic studies of human engagement with nature.
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Eight Bells
Winslow Homer, 1887
