The symbolism of Winslow Homer

Famed as a realist, the nineteenth century American painter Winslow Homer is known for his depictions of a wide range of subject matter. Homer's work has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years for its content and rich allusiveness, and also for biographical clues embedded in the work of this intensely secretive and private artist. In that vein, this study examines a small sample of important works from a thematic and symbolic perspective, with particular reference to the artist's personal associations outside the art world. Special emphasis is laid on The Gulf Stream of 1899, the first painting by a living American artist ever purchased by the Metropolitan Museum. The painting is examined for evidence of Homer's attitude towards African-American subjects. Also examined are Homer's images of women. Emphasis is directed to A Summer Night and related works.