Watching the Ships, Gloucester
1875
About this artwork
This watercolor painting depicts three boys sitting on a grassy bank overlooking Gloucester Harbor with several sailing vessels in the distance. The work is representative of Homer's focus on scenes of American life during the late 19th century.
Did you know?
Winslow Homer spent significant time in Gloucester, Massachusetts, during the summer of 1873 and 1880, producing numerous watercolors that captured the maritime activity of the region. This particular work exemplifies his masterful command of the watercolor medium, a technique he popularized as a serious art form in America. The presence of smaller figures swimming in the distance adds a sense of depth and informal narrative typical of his observational style.
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Watching the Ships, Gloucester
Winslow Homer, 1875
