european & american art

Two Figures by the Sea, Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer made this painting during an extended stay in a little village facing England’s North Sea. He was fascinated by the big, strong women who worked hard baiting hooks, repairing nets, hauling and cleaning fish, hawking them at market, and preparing the boats for the next day—in addition to doing household chores and raising the children. These women may be waiting for their husbands’ boats to return. The sand is dark, as if soaked with rain, and the sea is almost entirely white foam.

Western American Art