"Our Next President"

"Our Next President," created by Winslow Homer in 1868, is a significant example of American graphic art from the Reconstruction period. The work is executed in the demanding medium of wood engraving, a printmaking technique essential for the rapid dissemination of illustrated news and commentary in the latter half of the 19th century. As one of the preeminent draftsmen of the era, Homer routinely contributed illustrations to widely read periodicals, often commenting on contemporary social or political life in the United States.

The year 1868 marked a crucial and fraught election cycle following the Civil War, and the artwork’s title immediately places it within this contentious political moment. Homer's focus often centered on capturing the mood of the nation through everyday scenes, and this piece, whether satirical or intimate, provides a specific view related to the presidential race. Works such as this demonstrate Homer’s transition from illustrative journalist to fine artist, showcasing his technical precision in creating sophisticated prints for mass consumption.

This historic print is categorized as a print in the Cleveland Museum of Art collection, where it serves as a key representation of graphic work produced in the United States immediately after the war. Because of its age and cultural importance, documentation of this piece often falls into the public domain, allowing students and scholars worldwide to study the evolution of illustration and political commentary during this transformative period in American history.