Chime of Thirteen Bells for Christ Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Chime of Thirteen Bells for Christ Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts is a wood engraving on paper created by Winslow Homer (American, 1836-1910) and published in 1860 by the influential periodical Harper's Weekly. This print exemplifies Homer’s early career as an illustrator, a period when he was actively producing images for mass consumption and honing his skills in the exacting demands of graphic reproduction. The medium of wood engraving, crucial for 19th-century American journalism, allowed for the rapid dissemination of current events and visual reportage to a wide audience across the United States just prior to the onset of the Civil War.

The subject documents a specific moment in the life of Christ Church in Cambridge, focusing on the installation or dedication of its new chime of thirteen bells. Homer’s detailed draftsmanship captures the architectural setting and the activity surrounding the event, translating a typical news item into an enduring image of local history. The work demonstrates the artist's keen observational skills, showcasing the figures and machinery required for such a significant undertaking.

As a key example of American illustration from the era, this work provides valuable insight into the cultural and technological advances of the period. This important print is classified within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Due to its historical publication and age, this work is often found within the public domain, ensuring that digital copies and physical prints remain accessible for historical and artistic study. Homer’s contribution to Harper's Weekly remains critical to understanding his development from a commercial artist to one of America’s most important painters.