Moonlight, Wood Island Light

Moonlight, Wood Island Light, painted by Winslow Homer in 1894, is a commanding example of American Realism and a signature piece from the artist’s mature period. Executed in oil on canvas, this powerful depiction captures the dramatic intersection of human technology and the elemental force of nature along the Maine coast. Homer, who settled in Prout’s Neck in the 1880s, dedicated the later part of his career almost exclusively to seascapes, using the wild Atlantic environment near his home as his primary subject.

The composition utilizes a nocturnal setting, emphasizing the atmospheric intensity of the scene. The canvas shows the powerful beam of the Wood Island Light cutting through a dark, turbulent sky, its light reflected dramatically across the rough water. Homer masterfully employs a limited palette of deep blues, grays, and blacks, sharply contrasted by the stark white and yellow highlights of the lighthouse beacon and the churning foam of the waves. This treatment underscores the isolation and sublime power of the ocean, themes central to his depictions of the United States coastline.

Representative of the artistic culture of the late 19th-century, this work is recognized for its technical skill and emotional depth. This particular painting is currently housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a cornerstone of their American art holdings. The enduring cultural impact of Homer’s work ensures that high-quality prints and reproductions remain widely popular. Furthermore, the longevity of this painting means that its imagery is frequently available in the public domain, promoting continued scholarly study and public appreciation of Homer’s legacy.