The Rise

The Rise is a masterful work created by Winslow Homer in 1900. Classified specifically as a drawing, this piece exemplifies Homer’s renowned skill in handling light and atmosphere through the demanding technique of watercolor over graphite on wove paper. Dating to the close of the critical period of 1876 to 1900, the work reflects the artist's intense, late-career focus on the power and solitude of the natural world, themes that defined his legacy as a profound observer of the American landscape.

Homer utilized the graphite underdrawing to establish the foundational composition and forms before applying successive transparent washes of watercolor. This layering process lends the image a characteristic luminous quality, capturing a specific moment of transition—perhaps a fisherman setting out at dawn, or the sun ascending over a turbulent body of water. The spontaneity inherent in the watercolor medium allowed Homer to convey the movement of water and the transient effects of light and shadow with striking immediacy, showcasing the mastery that elevated watercolor from a preparatory medium to a primary vehicle for fine art expression.

As a leading figure in American art of the late nineteenth century, Homer's contributions significantly shaped the visual culture of the era. The technique demonstrated in The Rise confirms why the artist remains highly regarded for his ability to transform the fluid nature of his subjects into enduring visual statements. This key piece is part of the extensive collection housed at the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as an important reference for scholars studying American artistic development at the turn of the century. Because of its date of creation and cultural significance within the span of 1876 to 1900, the image frequently enters the public domain, ensuring widespread accessibility for the creation of high-quality prints and educational resources globally.