Thanksgiving Day - Ways and Means [upper left]

Thanksgiving Day - Ways and Means [upper left] is a powerful early example of American illustration, executed in 1858 by the American 19th Century artist, Winslow Homer. This significant work is a wood engraving, a print medium that allowed for wide distribution in contemporary periodicals. Created during the period 1851 to 1875, the piece showcases Homer’s developing skill in capturing scenes of everyday domestic life, a theme that would define much of his subsequent career.

The composition captures the hustle and bustle associated with the annual Thanksgiving celebration. As suggested by the title, the image focuses on the practical steps and preparations undertaken by families to secure and prepare the holiday feast, contrasting the eventual abundance of the celebration with the labor involved. Homer, who worked extensively as a magazine illustrator before transitioning fully to oil painting, demonstrates a keen observational eye for human activity and domestic arrangements.

Homer’s technique in this wood engraving is characterized by the strong contrasts and detailed line work necessary for the reproductive capabilities of the Print medium. This early graphic work helped define American visual culture of the mid-nineteenth century, documenting cultural traditions and societal moments. The image provides valuable insight into the customs and ideals prevalent in American homes during the 1850s, making it a critical historical document.

This historic wood engraving, Thanksgiving Day - Ways and Means [upper left], is held within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work serves as an important record of the artist’s prolific output in the graphic arts. Homer's illustration work is frequently studied to understand the growth of American media and illustration during this period. As a piece of significant cultural heritage, this print is often utilized for educational purposes and is frequently found in public domain art resources.