Word: homer
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Even if you think that you've never seen a Winslow Homer painting, you're probably wrong. Homer's paintings have graced the covers of many editions of Mark Twain and Louisa May Alcott novels, and almost every anthology of American literature. Or you might have seen his "Snap the Whip" in the commemorative stamp series of famous American artists. In fact, Homer is probably the most widely kown American painter, exploring American life and culture over his long career, which began after the Civil War and continued until his death...
...Museum of Fine Arts is presenting "Winslow Homer," the largest ever travelling exhibit of Homer's art. The show includes 178 works in various media, including watercolors, oils, and engraving--there are even two versions of "Snap the Whip...
...Homer started out as a freelance illustrator for Harper's Weekly during the Civil War, painting scenes of life in the Union army. After the war he continued to document ordinary life in a variety of settings; his subjects included the struggle of the freed slaves, mothers and children in domestic life, and the beauty and power of the American landscape. His paintings allow their subjects to speak for themselves; Homer avoids using painting for social commentary...
...lesser known paintings, "Prisoners from the Front," shows how this documentary style can be used to great effect. The painting shows three captured Confederate soldiers being displayed to a Union corporal (who has been identified as an alumnus of Harvard). Homer shows that every segment of the American people--old and haggard, young and immature, southern gentleman and rednecks, could be found in the armies; he emphasizes that the War was a universal experience. At the same time, Union and Confederate troops face each other with obvious respect and compassion...
...cloth with bristles, is immersed in mess--a manual worker of images. This makes him one with the city and its people. For poetic spirit, he should emulate Walt Whitman, learning to embrace the body of the city and contain multitudes, dirt and all. The masculine realism of Winslow Homer inspired all the Ashcan artists--they, especially Henri and Bellows, wanted to be Homers of the city...