At Sea—Signalling a Passing Steamer

Winslow Homer’s powerful 1871 wood engraving, At Sea-Signalling a Passing Steamer, captures a moment of dramatic urgency and human vulnerability against the expansive backdrop of the open ocean. Published in the American illustrated magazine Every Saturday, this print exemplifies Homer’s early career focus on maritime themes and his masterful translation of observational drawing into the reproducible format of mass media.

The composition centers on a small, precarious vessel—likely a fishing dory or life raft—being navigated by two figures. One figure vigorously signals toward a larger, unseen steamer, indicated only by a distant plume of smoke or the vessel's implied trajectory. Homer often used the genre of marine art to explore themes of resilience, communication, and the inherent dangers faced by those living or working on the water in the late 19th century United States. As a wood engraving on paper, the work showcases the high level of detail and contrast achievable by American printmakers working for periodicals during this era.

This print, classified simply as a print, remains a significant example of Homer's contributions to American illustration before he devoted himself fully to painting. It offers a glimpse into the visual culture and historical context of the time, when rapid maritime expansion coexisted with the persistent dangers of sea travel. The original is housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, providing scholars and enthusiasts access to this important work, which is now often widely accessible through the public domain.