Hauling in the Nets

Hauling in the Nets, created by Winslow Homer in 1887, is a prime example of the American artist’s mastery of the watercolor medium during the late 19th century. Classified formally as a drawing, the work utilizes watercolor meticulously applied over an underlying structure of graphite on wove paper. This technical approach highlights Homer’s dedication to capturing the immediacy of nature and the demanding lives of coastal workers in the years spanning 1876 to 1900. Homer was widely recognized for elevating watercolor from a preparatory or amateur medium to a serious art form, particularly during his productive later period spent primarily in Prout’s Neck, Maine.

The subject matter focuses intensely on the strenuous labor associated with the sea, a recurring and powerful theme in the artist’s oeuvre following his influential 1881-1882 residency in Cullercoats, England. Although specific geographical details are often minimized, the piece emphasizes human figures grappling with heavy, taut ropes or nets against the powerful backdrop of the ocean. Homer employs the loose, confident brushstrokes characteristic of his mature style, allowing the texture of the wove paper and the inherent luminosity of the watercolor to define movement and atmospheric effects. During this phase, Homer moved away from anecdotal illustration toward stark, compelling depictions of human perseverance and elemental conflict with nature, reflecting a shift in American artistic priorities.

This important drawing demonstrates the expressive range Homer achieved in works on paper. It remains a significant piece in the collection of American art held by the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. The enduring recognition of Homer and masterful works like Hauling in the Nets ensures their continuing cultural importance. As is common with significant historical artworks of this period, high-quality documentation often enters the public domain, enabling the creation of fine art prints and allowing broader access to these profound late 19th-century interpretations of American coastal life.