"Netting the Fish" is a significant watercolor created by Winslow Homer American, 1836-1910, in 1889. Classified as a drawing, this piece exemplifies the artist’s mastery of the medium during a crucial period in American art. Homer utilized a complex blend of techniques, starting with a graphite sketch over which he applied transparent watercolor. He meticulously manipulated the surface through rewetting, blotting, and scraping to achieve varied textures and atmospheric effects. Furthermore, the application of opaque white watercolor heightened specific details, demonstrating how Homer elevated the medium from a preparatory tool to a primary means of expression in the United States.
Created just a few years after he settled permanently in Prout’s Neck, Maine, the work reflects Homer’s intense focus on marine life and the arduous relationship between humanity and the sea. The subject matter, centered on the labor of fishing, speaks to the artist's ongoing exploration of fundamental human experiences in nature.
This exceptional piece is held in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Because the work, Netting the Fish, was executed in 1889, it is now considered to be in the public domain. This status ensures that researchers, students, and enthusiasts globally can access and appreciate the quality and technique of the original drawing, making high-quality prints and reproductions widely available. Homer's powerful contribution remains a defining feature of late 19th-century American realism.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.