Cannon Rock

"Cannon Rock," painted by Winslow Homer in 1895, is a powerful oil on canvas work from the artist’s final and most celebrated period, dedicated almost entirely to marine subjects. The canvas captures the relentless, elemental power of the Atlantic Ocean as colossal waves crash violently against a solitary, dark geological formation that gives the painting its title.

Homer used thick, direct brushstrokes to convey the physical texture and tremendous movement of the water. The stark contrast between the deep, cold blues and greens of the approaching rollers and the explosive white froth of the spray emphasizes the momentary nature of the churning sea. This dramatic approach to seascapes was central to Homer’s late career, demonstrating a masterful naturalism that moved beyond simple representation to capture the raw force of nature.

A towering figure in American art, Homer spent the last decades of his life focused intensely on coastal environments, and Cannon Rock exemplifies his shift from narrative scenes toward elemental confrontations between land and water. The piece is recognized as a major accomplishment of American painting from the late nineteenth century, reflecting the United States’ cultural fascination with the untamed power of the sea. Today, this iconic canvas resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its historical significance and status, many high-quality fine art prints of this important work are widely circulated, contributing to its availability in the public domain.