Casting, Number Two is a powerful watercolor created by Winslow Homer in 1894. Classified technically as a drawing due to its foundational medium, this late 19th-century American work showcases the artist's masterful command of watercolor applied over graphite drawing on wove paper. This specific technique highlights Homer’s process, where a detailed preparatory sketch provides structure for the subsequent atmospheric color washes.
The piece dates from the height of Homer’s maturity, placing it squarely within the vital period of American realism spanning 1876 to 1900. Homer frequently devoted his efforts to chronicling themes related to nature, the sea, and rural labor, often finding inspiration in fishing culture. Although the specific scene details require close examination, the title strongly suggests an aquatic subject, likely depicting a lone figure engaged in the precise, forceful action of casting a fishing line. The drawing captures an intense, isolated moment of physical activity, a hallmark of the artist's ability to imbue everyday scenes with dramatic weight.
As a leading figure in American realism, Homer’s late works are highly regarded for their technical brilliance and unflinching portrayal of genuine experience rather than idealized romance. The spontaneity inherent in the watercolor medium allowed the artist to convey the energy and fleeting conditions of the natural world. This stylistic approach helped define the shift in American art toward depicting the challenges and vigor of independent life.
This significant work is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because many influential Homer works from this prolific period are now in the public domain, art historians and collectors often reference pieces like Casting, Number Two to study the subtle handling of light and liquid effects the artist achieved in water-based media. The vitality and immediacy of the watercolor confirm Homer’s status as one of America's most enduring and important artistic voices.
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