Fog Warning

The print Fog Warning was created in 1887 through the collaboration of Hamilton Hamilton, Winslow Homer, and the publishing firm Fishel, Adler and Schwartz. Classified as an American print from the critical period of 1876 to 1900, this work utilizes the sophisticated and demanding technique of etching on chine collé. This process involves printing the image from the etched plate onto a thin, often slightly toned paper, which is then simultaneously adhered to a heavier, permanent support sheet during the printing process. This careful layering enhances the delicate lines and subtle tonal variations that are characteristic of high-quality etching.

The complexity of the attribution reflects the commercial realities of fine art reproduction during the late nineteenth century. While Winslow Homer provided the foundational source material and conceptual design—likely based on his famous 1885 painting of the same title—Hamilton Hamilton executed the highly skilled etching required to translate the visual drama into the black and white format. The firm run by Schwartz and his partners handled the publication and wide distribution of the resulting impressions.

The collaboration behind this work exemplifies the era's robust market for reproducing popular genre scenes, ensuring widespread access to important American imagery. The decision by Schwartz's publishing house to employ chine collé suggests a focus on creating a luxurious, high-end edition suitable for private collectors seeking quality prints of contemporary masterpieces. The resulting impression captures the tension and narrative depth present in the original design, solidifying its place in print history.

This piece is an important example of American print culture, showcasing how technical skill met commercial demand during the height of the post-Civil War artistic boom. This significant work is currently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a record of sophisticated late-nineteenth century reproduction practices. Imagery such as that found in Fog Warning remains vital to the study of the era, frequently entering the public domain for academic research and appreciation.