Girl Holding a Branch of an Apple Tree 1879

Winslow Homer made this drawing, Girl Holding a Branch of an Apple Tree, in the United States, at an unknown date. Homer was fascinated by the relationship between people and their environment, often depicting scenes of rural life. This drawing is no exception, showing a young woman in a field, surrounded by nature. It could be seen as a reflection of the growing interest in the American landscape and the idealization of rural life that was prevalent in the late 19th century. The drawing's composition and the woman's posture might also be interpreted in relation to the social conventions and gender roles of the time. Her engagement with the tree could be a reflection on women's connection to nature, which was a recurring theme in art and literature. By consulting historical sources such as letters, diaries, and period publications, we can better understand the social and cultural context in which Homer created this drawing, and explore the complex meanings it may have held for its original audience.