Deer-Stalking in the Adirondacks in Winter (Every Saturday, Vol. II, New Series)

Deer-Stalking in the Adirondacks in Winter (Every Saturday, Vol. II, New Series) by Winslow Homer, created in 1871, is a significant example of the artist's early career as a prolific illustrator. Executed as a wood engraving, this print was published in the popular weekly magazine Every Saturday, reflecting the American public's burgeoning interest in leisure activities and the northern wilderness following the Civil War. Homer excelled at transforming his on-site sketches into dynamic illustrations suitable for mass reproduction and circulation.

The scene captures a dramatic moment of a winter hunt in the rugged Adirondack mountains. The composition focuses on a group of men, likely local guides or sportsmen, engaged in the difficult and demanding task of tracking large game. Deep snow blankets the landscape, emphasizing the harshness of the season. The subjects are shown navigating the difficult terrain, often accompanied by dogs, who are essential participants in the pursuit of the deer. This work visually documents the intensity of 19th-century hunting culture, a popular American pastime that often served as a symbolic connection to the nation’s frontier past.

This piece demonstrates Homer’s mastery in rendering complex narrative scenes using the high-contrast restrictions inherent in the wood engraving technique. As a historical document of both American sport and graphic journalism, the work remains an important record of the period. This powerful print is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Given its status as a historical publication, the image is often considered public domain, allowing institutions and enthusiasts to study and distribute prints and reproductions widely.