Jessie Remained Alone at the Table (The Galaxy, An Illustrated Magazine of Entertaining Reading, Vol. VI)

Jessie Remained Alone at the Table (The Galaxy, An Illustrated Magazine of Entertaining Reading, Vol. VI) is a detailed wood engraving created by Winslow Homer in 1868. This piece originated as an illustration for The Galaxy, a prominent American periodical of the era, showcasing the artist’s prolific involvement in commercial publishing immediately following the Civil War. Homer excelled in the challenging medium of wood engraving, mastering the visual syntax required for mass-produced prints in the burgeoning market of illustrated magazines and newspapers across the country.

The composition depicts a solitary woman, presumably “Jessie,” standing next to a large billiard table, her pose suggesting quiet reflection rather than interaction. The inclusion of women engaging in leisure activities, especially those previously associated with male company like billiards, provides significant cultural context for the period’s shifting social norms. Homer frequently turned his attention to scenes of modern American life, capturing the subtle complexities and often isolated experiences of contemporary subjects through his precise draftsmanship. The piece captures a moment of intimacy and contemplation within an otherwise public setting.

This finely executed print is exemplary of Homer’s illustrative career, providing historical documentation alongside aesthetic quality. The clarity achieved through the engraving process ensures that details remain sharp, even in reproduced forms. As part of a major public domain collection, works like this piece are often utilized by scholars studying 19th-century American art and illustration. The historical print Jessie Remained Alone at the Table (The Galaxy, An Illustrated Magazine of Entertaining Reading, Vol. VI) is currently maintained in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.