Making Hay

Making Hay is a notable wood engraving created by the American artist Winslow Homer (American, 1836-1910) in 1872. This highly detailed print, executed on paper, was published by Harper's Weekly, a prominent illustrated magazine of the era. Homer's consistent output for publications like Harper's allowed his observations of post-Civil War society to reach a mass audience across the United States, cementing his reputation as a chronicler of American life. The medium of wood engraving ensured durability and wide distribution, essential for the rapid pace of illustrated journalism.

The subject matter focuses on rural labor, a characteristic theme in Homer's work during the 1870s. Making Hay depicts agricultural workers engaged in the demanding but essential process of harvesting feed under the heat of a summer sun. Homer expertly utilizes the high contrast and crisp lines inherent to the engraving technique to define the figures, the sweeping landscape, and the quality of the light. This piece exemplifies the artist’s shift away from explicit historical reportage toward quieter, genre scenes that emphasize the daily rhythms and simple dignity of country existence.

As a significant example of American illustration, this work offers crucial insight into the visual culture of the late nineteenth century. This enduring print is housed in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Due to its age and widespread publication history, reproductions of this artwork are frequently available for study and use through public domain resources, ensuring its continued status as an iconic image of the era.