Two Girls 1879

Winslow Homer sketched "Two Girls" using graphite on paper. Homer's career began as a Civil War illustrator. His work often highlights the lives of women and children, depicting them in moments of leisure and connection. These two young women stand shoulder to shoulder, literally supporting each other as they look off to the side with curiosity. Homer’s choice to portray women during recreational time reflects broader shifts in societal roles and expectations for women during the late 19th century. As women gained more access to education and began to participate more actively in public life, representations of women in art began to evolve, moving beyond traditional domestic scenes to include images of women engaged in leisure activities. While race isn't immediately evident in the image, it's important to recognize that representations of leisure were often shaped by racial and class biases, with images of white middle-class women dominating the artistic landscape. Winslow asks us to consider the complexities of American identity and experience, and challenges us to reflect on the narratives that have been historically privileged.