Under a Palm Tree

Under a Palm Tree is a highly characteristic watercolor on wove paper created by Winslow Homer in 1886. Classified as a drawing, this piece exemplifies Homer's later phase, where he focused intensely on tropical subjects and dramatically explored the capabilities of watercolor as a finished medium, elevating it beyond traditional sketching. The selection of wove paper provided Homer with a smooth surface ideal for swift application and blending, techniques necessary to convey the atmospheric humidity and sharp, contrasting light found in equatorial climates.

Created during the productive period of 1876 to 1900, the work reflects a significant shift in American art, moving towards subjects that explored the exoticism and vitality of the Caribbean and Florida. Homer began traveling to the Bahamas in 1884, and the resulting body of work became central to his legacy. These studies of tropical flora and sea life allowed the artist to utilize a brilliant, high-key palette previously unseen in his dark, early maritime canvases. Here, the immediate focus is the imposing fronds of the palm, rendered with quick, decisive strokes that suggest volume and movement against an implied background of blinding sun.

Homer’s technical mastery is evident in the confidence of his handling of the pigment, leaving areas of the paper untouched to serve as highlights and exploiting the transparent nature of the medium to build up layers of color. This immediacy and assurance cemented his reputation as the preeminent American watercolorist of his generation.

The original drawing, Under a Palm Tree, resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the historical and artistic importance of this era of American art, and following contemporary initiatives, high-resolution digital versions of many of Homer’s late works are often available through public domain access, ensuring the accessibility of high-quality prints for scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.