Under the Falls, Catskill Mountains From a Painting by Winslow Homer

Under the Falls, Catskill Mountains From a Painting by Winslow Homer is a significant wood engraving created by Winslow Homer in 1872. Classified as a print, this work showcases Homer’s mastery in translating complex natural scenes into the demanding format of the wood block. Though adapted from a previous painting, the final published product functions as an independent artistic statement, reflecting the growing American interest in monumental landscape views during the post-Civil War era.

The subject matter, the rugged scenery of the Catskill Mountains, firmly places this piece within the tradition of 19th-century landscape art in the United States. Homer frequently explored themes related to nature and leisure, capturing the dramatic power of the wilderness, often contrasting it with human presence. As an influential printmaker, Homer's prolific output of wood engravings enabled his work to reach a wide audience through publications, demonstrating the cultural and commercial importance of the print medium during this period. The original subject captured in Under the Falls, Catskill Mountains remains an important touchstone for understanding Homer’s early career transition between illustration and painting. This piece, representing the culture of the United States, is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.