Another Year by the Old Clock (from "Harper's Bazar," Vol. III)

Another Year by the Old Clock (from "Harper's Bazar," Vol. III) is a significant wood engraving created by Winslow Homer in 1870. This work exemplifies Homer’s prolific output of illustrations for popular American periodicals during the post-Civil War era. As a relief print, the wood engraving technique allowed for rapid reproduction in publications like Harper's Bazar, ensuring Homer’s artistic vision reached a wide audience immediately upon publication in Volume III of the magazine.

The composition features a quiet domestic interior centered around the titular "Old Clock," a potent symbol of the passage of time, likely referencing the end of one year and the beginning of another. Homer specialized in capturing such seemingly casual scenes that held deep resonance for the Victorian American public. The scene depicts a gathering of figures, including both men and women, engaged in varied activities, suggesting an intimate family moment or perhaps a holiday celebration. Homer was adept at using shadow and light to give weight and depth to his printed images, lending dignity to the everyday experiences of middle-class life.

This piece underscores Homer’s early mastery of graphic arts before he fully dedicated himself to painting. While created specifically for mass consumption, the high quality of the detailing confirms his status as a key illustrator of the period. This important historical print resides within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Due to the age and historical significance of the original artwork, Another Year by the Old Clock is considered part of the public domain, allowing continued access and research into the critical prints produced by this foundational American artist.