Cutting a Figure

Cutting a Figure by Winslow Homer is a significant wood engraving created in 1871. This print exemplifies Homer’s early career focus on documenting American life and leisure activities during the Reconstruction era in the United States. Homer frequently utilized the medium of wood engraving for periodicals, a commercial practice common for artists aiming for wide public distribution through popular illustrated magazines like Harper’s Weekly. The technique required intense precision and careful attention to line and shadow, allowing Homer to translate the immediacy of contemporary genre scenes into reproducible black-and-white images suitable for mass consumption.

The detailed composition of the work showcases Homer’s masterful draughtsmanship, effectively conveying depth and atmosphere despite the inherent limitations of the medium. The subject matter, implied by the title, often refers to performing a graceful or impressive action and contributes to Homer’s prolific reputation as a visual chronicler of 19th-century American social identity. This piece belongs to a critical period where the artist transitioned from commercial illustration toward independent artistic pursuits, even as his prints continued to influence the public imagination. The enduring quality of prints from this time ensures that many similar works are now widely accessible and often considered part of the public domain. This specific impression of Cutting a Figure is proudly housed in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.