Spring 1878

Winslow Homer made this watercolor, titled 'Spring,' sometime in the late nineteenth century. Homer was a master of this medium, and here, he coaxes out all its inherent qualities, from the delicate washes of the sky to the rich density of the foliage. What's interesting is how he uses these atmospheric effects to speak to the realities of rural life. Notice the girl with her hoe – this wasn't a time of leisure for children. Even the work clothes are carefully observed and rendered with respect. In his paintings, Homer wasn't just capturing a pretty scene; he was showing the dignity of labor, the way it shaped people's lives, and the landscape itself. He elevates these ordinary tasks, giving them a presence that’s both humble and heroic. It reminds us that even the simplest materials and methods can be used to explore profound social truths.