The Christmas Tree (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. II)

The Christmas Tree (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. II) is an evocative wood engraving created by Winslow Homer in 1858. Executed early in the artist’s career, this work served as a popular illustration for the December 25th issue of the influential periodical, Harper's Weekly. Homer began his career primarily as a commercial illustrator, mastering the technically demanding craft of wood engraving necessary for mass reproduction in 19th-century American magazines. This particular print captures a widespread domestic scene, demonstrating the rapid adoption of German Christmas traditions, including the decorated tree, in the United States during the mid-nineteenth century.

The image focuses on a joyous, multi-generational gathering around a central Christmas tree, meticulously detailed with candles and paper decorations. Homer positions men and women as central figures, observing the excited reactions of the boys and girls surrounding the illuminated fir. The composition successfully balances the intimacy of the interior setting with the festive energy of the holiday celebration, characterizing the domestic warmth so popular in mid-century American genre scenes. Though primarily an illustration, this piece foreshadows the keen observation of human behavior that would define Homer’s later shift toward fine art painting. This historically significant work, part of the extensive collection of prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is now generally considered to be in the public domain, ensuring that digital reproductions and high-quality prints of this quintessential American Christmas scene remain accessible for study and appreciation.