Winslow Homer (1836-1910) American landscape painter and printmaker. He is considered one of the foremost painters in 19th-century America and a preeminent figure in American art. Original wood-engraving titled "WATERMELON-EATERS", published in The American Art Journal in 1879. Image size is approx. 5-1/8 x 7" plus large margins. The image area is very clean; some small light spots in margins not close to image [will not show when matted]. Printed text on verso as usual. Often Homer's wood-engravings are described as "after Homer", as are most of the wood-engraved illustations during those times. The difference between Winslow Homer, however, the those other artists is that Homer actually draw on the blocks, which were then cut by craftsmen and printed. Almost all other artists, except Homer, never drew on the blocks themselves but would make the drawing, then someone else would copy the drawing on the wood block and then someone else would cut the block. This is why Winslow Homer woodengravings are usually described as being "By" Homer, not after Homer. You will see them described both ways today. Winslow Homer was not only the 19th Century's most popular artist and illustrator, but he is also considered one of the most important American artists of all time. The warmth and charm with which he interpreted the American experience has enchanted generation after generation. His best known works have been his water colors and oil paintings; reproductions of these are commonplace. As popular as Homer has remained, it was not until the early 1950's that his work as an illustrator was "rediscovered" on a large scale. Renewed interest in his illustrations has led to many Homer exhibitions at such places as Smith and Bowdoin Colleges and at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. Institutions have increasingly tried to acquire these rapidly decreasing treasures. The Metropolitan Museum in New York has a large collection, as do the fine art museums at Duke University and Dartmouth as well as the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.

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