Fishing Boats, Key West by Winslow Homer, executed in 1903, is a luminous example of the artist’s late mastery of watercolor and graphite on off-white wove paper. This piece highlights the final period of Homer's career, focusing intensely on dynamic marine subjects and the intense light of the tropical sea environment near the coast of Florida.
The composition captures several fishing boats moored near the shore, rendered with the transparent washes and spontaneous energy characteristic of Homer’s renowned approach to watercolor. Homer uses underlying graphite strokes to define the rigging, hull lines, and distant structures, grounding the otherwise fluid application of color that effectively captures the atmospheric heat and brilliant light.
As a seminal figure in 19th and early 20th-century art from the United States, Homer’s commitment to documenting American maritime life remains unparalleled. Dating from just three years before his death, this work showcases the concise, impactful style that defined the artist's final phase. Homer frequently traveled to Key West and the Caribbean in the early 1900s, finding continuous inspiration in the unique light and the arduous working life of the fishermen. This significant watercolor is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As much of Homer’s work is now entering the public domain, high-quality prints of this quintessential American scene are widely accessible for study and appreciation.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.