On the Fence

"On the Fence" by Winslow Homer is a delicate yet powerful drawing executed in 1878. This nuanced composition utilizes a complex combination of watercolor, gouache, and graphite applied to wove paper. Homer’s choice of materials highlights his innovative approach to water media, elevating the technique beyond simple sketching into a major art form.

The work is classified as a drawing and falls within the late 19th-century period, specifically 1876 to 1900, a key developmental time for American Realism. Homer, who often focused on genre scenes capturing rural life and leisure, used the fluidity of watercolor to achieve immediate and atmospheric effects. By incorporating opaque gouache alongside translucent watercolor washes, the artist achieved varying depths and textures, providing structure and precision to the figures and the environment they inhabit. The underlying graphite aids in establishing the composition’s form, balancing the spontaneity of the pigment with deliberate drawing.

As a highly influential American artist, Homer captured the mood and environment of the post-Civil War Gilded Age, using seemingly simple daily moments to reflect deeper cultural observations. The subject matter suggests a quiet moment of contemplation or transition, typical of the artist's focus on intimate human narratives within the natural world.

This valuable drawing is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a prime example of Homer’s technical mastery. The complexity demonstrated in this 1876 to 1900 period piece ensures its status as a vital part of the American artistic heritage. The increasing interest in high-quality prints of works like On the Fence allows the public to access and study the intricate details of Homer’s process, particularly as more of the master’s oeuvre enters the public domain.