Thanksgiving Day - Ways and Means

Thanksgiving Day - Ways and Means by Winslow Homer, executed in 1858, is a significant early example of the artist’s prolific work in printmaking. Created using the demanding medium of wood engraving, this piece exemplifies the detailed illustrative style prevalent in American publishing during the mid-19th century. Homer, at this time, was establishing his career primarily as a commercial illustrator, frequently contributing prints to major illustrated periodicals documenting contemporary life in the United States.

The subject matter, implied by the title, focuses on the complexities and preparations associated with the annual Thanksgiving holiday. The composition likely depicts a domestic interior or a scene related to the acquisition or preparation of food, subtly emphasizing the "ways and means"—the logistical and economic efforts—required for the celebration. This type of cultural documentation provided valuable insight into the traditions and daily experiences of the era leading up to the Civil War. Homer’s skillful handling of light and detailed figures within the restricted scale of the print format demonstrates his early mastery of graphic arts, a proficiency he would later transfer to his renowned paintings.

This original impression of Thanksgiving Day - Ways and Means is classified formally as a print and is part of the distinguished holdings of the Cleveland Museum of Art. While examples of these historic prints often circulate widely in the public domain today, this specific artifact preserves a crucial document illustrating the developing career of one of America's foremost artists and capturing a key moment in the history of American graphic arts.