The Coolest Spot in New England - Summit of Mount Washington

The Coolest Spot in New England - Summit of Mount Washington, created by American 19th Century artist Winslow Homer in 1870, is a definitive example of journalistic illustration from the post-Civil War era. Executed as a wood engraving on newsprint, this specific classification of print highlights Homer's early professional engagement with the burgeoning illustrated press, capturing scenes of American life and leisure during the dynamic period spanning 1851 to 1875.

The subject matter centers on the experience of climbing and resting atop Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. During the late 19th century, the summit became a major tourist attraction, accessible via the newly completed cog railway, symbolizing the intersection of industrial progress and scenic tourism that defined the era. Homer frequently specialized in depicting these types of contemporary social activities, showing figures in modern dress interacting with the often dramatic natural landscape. The robust and reproducible nature of the wood engraving technique was essential for the rapid distribution of such topical imagery across the growing American reading public.

Although simple in its core material-a wood engraving on newsprint-the technical skill required for translating the original drawing to the final block print showcases Homer’s early mastery of line and composition under tight publishing deadlines. The inherent black-and-white contrasts of the medium effectively convey the clear, often bracing atmosphere and characteristic weather conditions of the alpine environment. This significant American print, offering vital insight into the development of Homer's graphic work, is preserved within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art.