Saved

The powerful composition, Saved, was created by Winslow Homer in 1889. Classified as a print, this artwork utilizes the etching technique, showcasing Homer’s refined skill in translating dramatic narrative into black and white linear form. By the late 1880s, Homer focused heavily on the raw power of nature and the human struggle against the sea, a theme that dominates the imagery of this piece. The precise, tonal variations achievable through this printmaking method allow the artist to convey the intense, churning atmosphere of the ocean during a storm.

The core subject revolves around a high-stakes maritime rescue. It portrays a woman clinging desperately to debris, partially shielded by the massive figure of the rescuer, who pulls her toward safety. Homer often centered his narratives on the resilience and vulnerability of women facing elemental forces, moving away from simple domestic scenes toward heroic, often ambiguous, dramas of survival. This particular piece is based on an earlier painting of the same name, demonstrating how the artist utilized different media, like etching, to explore and amplify his key preoccupation with man versus nature.

As a major figure in American realism, Homer’s prints are highly valued both for their technical mastery and their evocative subject matter. Because of its age, the artwork, like many significant 19th-century prints, is often found within the public domain, increasing its accessibility for study and reproduction. This important impression of Saved is held in the comprehensive collection of American art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.