On the Stile

On the Stile, created by Winslow Homer in 1878, is a significant example of American genre drawing from the late nineteenth century. The work, executed in watercolor, gouache, and graphite on wove paper, showcases Homer’s mastery of the demanding watercolor medium, a technique he had fully embraced by the period 1876 to 1900.

Homer utilizes a combination of delicate washes and opaque gouache highlights, demonstrating the technical versatility he achieved in his maturity. The groundwork of graphite, likely used for defining the initial composition and contours, provides a structural backbone for the translucent watercolor layers. This integration of drawing and painting mediums is crucial to understanding Homer’s evolving method during the 1870s, as he moved increasingly toward plein-air practice and focused on immediate, observed reality. The subject, a rustic scene involving figures crossing a fence or stile, places the piece firmly within the tradition of American realistic genre painting popular during this era.

As a leading figure in American art of the late nineteenth century, Homer often used drawing and watercolor to explore themes of rural life, shifting away from the dramatic oil paintings of his earlier career. This piece exemplifies the increasing sophistication of the watercolor movement during the period 1876 to 1900. It demonstrates Homer's capacity to render atmospheric conditions and subtle lighting effects with speed and precision. The drawing, On the Stile, is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a critical study piece for scholars examining the development of drawing in American culture. Because of its historical importance, the artwork is frequently reproduced; high-quality prints and educational resources derived from this masterwork are often made available through public domain initiatives.