Bathing at Long Branch "Oh, Ain't It Cold" (Every Saturday, Vol. III, New Series) 1871

Winslow Homer made this wood engraving, "Bathing at Long Branch," for *Every Saturday* magazine. Wood engraving is a relief process, meaning the artist carves away the negative space. The remaining raised lines receive ink, then are pressed onto paper. Here, the material—wood—influences the image’s appearance. Look at the fine, precise lines Homer was able to achieve. End-grain blocks of very hard woods like boxwood, are what allows for such detail. The process demands patience and skill; each cut must be carefully considered. The print's success depended on the division of labor. Homer provided the drawing, but specialist wood engravers translated it into the finished block. Published widely, these images brought scenes of modern life to a broad audience, fueling consumer culture. In the print world, the labor and craft involved are often overlooked. Yet, recognizing the processes behind images like "Bathing at Long Branch" reveals the artistry inherent in mass production, complicating any easy distinction between art and craft.