"Hi! Ho-o-o! He Done Come. Jumbolor Tell you Fust" (The Galaxy, An Illustrated Magazine of Entertaining Reading, Vol. VII)

"Hi! Ho-o-o! He Done Come. Jumbolor Tell you Fust" (The Galaxy, An Illustrated Magazine of Entertaining Reading, Vol. VII) is a significant wood engraving created by Winslow Homer in 1869. This print, originally published as an illustration in The Galaxy, exemplifies Homer’s prolific and observational output as a commercial artist during the mid-nineteenth century. Produced shortly after the close of the Civil War, the piece captures a moment of intense social observation and dramatic storytelling typical of the period’s popular media.

The scene depicts a lively congregation of men and women gathered in anticipation or reaction to a startling announcement, implied by the spirited title. Homer, an established master of graphic media, utilizes the stark black-and-white contrasts inherent in the wood engraving technique to define the dynamic poses of his subjects and emphasize the high energy of the composition. Such magazine prints served as vital historical documentation, illustrating popular narratives and everyday American life during the complex years of Reconstruction. Homer frequently employed these assignments to explore themes of social interaction and regional characteristics, foreshadowing the deeper psychological studies found in his later oil paintings.

As a foundational print from Homer's early career, this work offers valuable insight into the development of American illustration and graphic arts. The image is preserved in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified among their historically important prints. Due to its age and commercial origins, this work, like many American illustrations created before 1928, is often considered part of the public domain, ensuring its continued accessibility for scholarly research and appreciation.