The Coolest Spot in New England - Summit of Mount Washington

The Coolest Spot in New England - Summit of Mount Washington by Winslow Homer, executed in 1870, is a masterful example of American printmaking. This detailed wood engraving, a medium favored for magazine and newspaper illustration, allowed for the rapid reproduction and widespread distribution of imagery across the United States in the post-Civil War era.

Homer, known for his keen observational skill and dedication to realistic American themes, captured the invigorating experience of high-altitude travel at one of New England’s most celebrated tourist destinations. Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States, attracted thousands of visitors seeking dramatic views and rugged nature experiences. The image reflects a growing national enthusiasm for domestic travel and the appreciation of regional scenic spots during the Gilded Age. Unlike the solitary figures that characterize some of Homer's later seascapes, this work features numerous figures clustered near the summit structure, emphasizing the communal aspect of adventure tourism.

The detailed linework inherent in the wood engraving technique highlights the contrast between the sturdy, man-made observatory and hotel buildings and the often turbulent, windswept nature of the high peaks. Homer’s illustrations of the era ensured his artistic vision, including his prolific output of graphic prints, reached a broad national audience. As this 1870 work is now in the public domain, it remains an accessible piece demonstrating the artist’s early career focus on illustration. This important example of early American graphic art is permanently housed in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.