The Summit of Mount Washington

The Summit of Mount Washington, created by Winslow Homer and published in Harper's Weekly in 1869, captures the bustling activity atop the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. This detailed print is a wood engraving on paper, a common, labor-intensive technique utilized for mass reproduction in illustrated newspapers of the period. Homer’s frequent commissions as an influential graphic artist allowed him to document the rapidly changing post-Civil War society and the rise of American leisure culture.

The subject matter reflects the massive boom in 19th-century tourism, specifically highlighting the ascent of the White Mountains, a feat made easier by the development of the cog railway. The work depicts groups of figures huddled near the peak, showcasing the contrast between the sublime natural environment and the formal attire of mid-century travelers. Homer’s skill is evident in the dynamic composition and the strong delineation required by the wood engraving medium, lending the scene an immediate, journalistic quality.

This important example of 19th-century illustration is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's renowned collection of prints. Since the original artwork and its publication are considered historical, this striking image from the United States is frequently found in the public domain, ensuring that the influential work of Homer remains widely accessible for historical and artistic reference.