What Shall We Do Next? (from "Harper's Bazar," Vol. II)

What Shall We Do Next? (from "Harper's Bazar," Vol. II) is a wood engraving created by Winslow Homer in 1869. This print was commissioned for and disseminated through the popular illustrated periodical Harper’s Bazar, a medium that allowed the artist to reach a vast American audience in the post-Civil War era. Homer utilized the demanding technique of wood engraving extensively early in his career, translating his keen observational sketches into reproducible black-and-white images suitable for high-volume printing.

The composition features a scene of outdoor leisure, focusing on women relaxing in the dappled shade cast by surrounding trees. The subject matter reflects Homer's growing interest in documenting the changing social dynamics and recreational activities of contemporary American life. The figures are positioned casually, suggesting a momentary pause in activity, emphasizing both companionship and contemplation. Homer’s technique masterfully captures the textures of the foliage and the folds of the women’s dresses, utilizing sharp contrast inherent to the printmaking process.

This wood engraving exemplifies the crucial role illustrated journalism played in the late 1860s, bringing fine art and sophisticated illustration into everyday homes. Homer’s distinctive, clear-lined style, though constrained by the medium, imbues the work with naturalism and immediacy. As a significant example of the artist’s graphic production, the print resides in the classification of Prints and Drawings and is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.