Winslow Homer (1836–1910) is arguably the greatest 19th-century American artist. Mostly self-taught, he mastered illustration, oil painting, and watercolor media. His innovative and resoundingly original oeuvre explores timeless, epic themes. These include conflict, the power of nature, and the fragility and transience of life.
As an artist correspondent early in his career for the illustrated periodical Harper’s Weekly, Homer crafted some of the quintessential visuals of the American Civil War (1861–1865). His 1866 painting “Prisoners From the Front,” now at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is one of his pivotal creations; its critical acclaim established Homer’s fine art reputation.
