Boy on a Swing 1879

Winslow Homer created this drawing, Boy on a Swing, at an unknown date, rendering the subject with starkly beautiful lines. This image resonates with the era in which Homer worked. The mid-to-late 19th century in America was a time of great change, with industrialization and urbanization rapidly altering social structures. Childhood became an increasingly distinct and valued stage of life. Homer, who was working as an illustrator in this period, turned to childhood as a theme in his art, often depicting children engaged in leisure activities. In this drawing, the boy on the swing can be seen as symbolic of a newly conceived American childhood, an image that reflects a nostalgia for simpler times. The sketch-like quality of the work enhances this feeling, suggesting a fleeting, precious moment. Understanding the context in which Homer created this drawing means looking at the prints and illustrations he was making at the time. The Library of Congress and other archives are invaluable resources for appreciating the wider culture in which Homer’s art took shape.