The Nooning (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. XVII)

The Nooning (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. XVII) by Winslow Homer, executed in 1873, is a superb example of the artist's masterful application of wood engraving techniques for mass-market consumption. As an illustrator for the widely circulated periodical Harper’s Weekly, Homer frequently created detailed prints that captured scenes of American daily life during the post-Civil War era. This specific work, originally intended for magazine reproduction, illustrates Homer’s ability to convey texture and atmospheric detail despite the technical demands of the print medium.

The scene depicts a quiet moment of rural domesticity, reflecting the work’s title, which refers to the traditional break taken during the hottest part of the day. A young boy rests against a simple wooden house, seemingly asleep, while a watchful dog sits closely by his side. Homer renders the rural environment with precise observation; chickens peck at the ground nearby, emphasizing the humble, working nature of the setting. This attention to everyday actions and the interplay between the resting figure, the animals, and the architecture is characteristic of Homer's illustrative work from the 1870s.

As a significant contribution to American illustration, this piece helped solidify Homer’s reputation before he turned his focus primarily toward oil painting and watercolors. The work resides in the permanent prints collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and historical context, this 1873 wood engraving is frequently studied as a key document of 19th-century American culture, often made available as high-quality images within the public domain for continued scholarship and appreciation.