Intrepid [recto]

Intrepid [recto] by Winslow Homer is an important early work created in 1862. Executed in graphite on straw paper, this piece is classified as a drawing, demonstrating Homer’s preparatory or observational technique during a pivotal time in American history. Completed during the period of 1851 to 1875, the drawing reflects the emergent style of Homer as he shifted away from commercial illustration towards deeper artistic exploration. The fragility of the straw paper medium, combined with the precision of the graphite, suggests this was either a rapid field study or a detailed draft intended as source material for a finished work.

As a young artist, Homer often used drawing to capture the human element and the stark realities encountered, particularly during the Civil War era when this piece was created. While the title Intrepid [recto] suggests a theme of bravery or resolve, the drawing itself offers insight into the artist’s careful attention to composition and volumetric rendering, skills that would later define his iconic oil paintings. The spontaneous nature inherent in the drawing medium allows modern viewers to witness the foundation of Homer’s celebrated realism.

This significant American drawing is preserved within the collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing crucial context for Homer’s trajectory from illustrator to a master of American art. The existence of numerous studies from this era confirms Homer’s commitment to observational practice, a hallmark of his artistic production throughout his life. Today, high-resolution archival prints of this drawing are frequently available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread scholarly and public access to Intrepid [recto].