Nahum Capen, Esq., Postmaster of Boston

Nahum Capen, Esq., Postmaster of Boston by Winslow Homer, executed in 1859, is an early and important example of the artist’s prolific output in illustration. This precise wood engraving captures the likeness of the prominent Boston figure, illustrating the demand for portraiture and reporting in nineteenth-century United States periodicals. Before achieving renown as a painter, Homer established himself as a highly skilled commercial illustrator, contributing regularly to major publications like Harper's Weekly.

The medium of wood engraving, popular for its fidelity and reproducibility, allowed Homer to distribute his images widely, bringing topical figures and events to a broad American audience. Though the classification is cataloged as a print, the original production was intended for mass media dissemination. Homer's focus on recognizable contemporary subjects helps date the piece firmly within the context of American cultural history just prior to the Civil War.

This work offers insight into Homer’s developing technical abilities, showcasing his early mastery of line and shadow within the demanding constraints of the engraving process. The Cleveland Museum of Art houses this historic piece, reflecting Homer's significance within its collection of American prints and graphic arts. While created for commercial purposes, the prints produced during this period are today valuable records of the era and form a crucial element of the artist's legacy.