The Nooning

The Nooning by Winslow Homer, created in 1873, is a superb example of the artist’s mastery of the wood engraving medium. Classified as a print, this piece reflects Homer's deep engagement with rural life in the United States during the post-Civil War era. Wood engraving was a crucial technique in the 19th century, allowing for widespread reproduction and making Homer’s observational studies accessible to a broad public through illustrated magazines and periodicals. This demanding print method emphasizes strong line work and high contrast, perfectly suited to documenting the realities of American labor and leisure.

Homer frequently documented commonplace scenes of American life, often focusing on moments of quiet repose and simple dignity. This work captures the titular moment when laborers pause their work at midday—a critical rest period usually taken under the shade during the hottest part of the day. Homer’s characteristic realism, conveyed through the sharp, distinct lines essential to the wood engraving technique, renders the figures and setting with a specificity that defined his mature career. This cultural focus cemented Homer as a leading artistic voice in 19th-century American printmaking.

The significance of this print is underscored by its inclusion in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it helps preserve a vital aspect of the nation’s visual history. While the original physical edition resides within the museum’s holdings, the widespread nature of 19th-century prints means that high-quality reproductions of this important work are often available through various public domain art collections today, ensuring its continued study and appreciation by art historians and the public alike.