Who painted Roof Line [verso]?

Roof Line [verso] was painted by Winslow Homer in 1862.

Where can I see Roof Line [verso]?

Roof Line [verso] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Roof Line [verso]?

Roof Line [verso] is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Roof Line [verso]

Winslow Homer , 1862

Roof Line [verso] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Roof Line (verso) is a graphite drawing executed on bristol board by American artist Winslow Homer in 1862. The work measures the linear elements of a roofscape, rendered in monochrome, and reflects Homer's early engagement with drawing as a means of recording architectural forms.

Technique & Style

The piece employs fine graphite strokes on a smooth bristol surface, allowing for precise line work and subtle tonal variations. Homer's handling of the medium demonstrates a disciplined approach to draftsmanship, emphasizing structural clarity over atmospheric effect, characteristic of his formative period before turning to oil painting.

Context

Created during the early 1860s, the drawing predates Homer's well‑known marine subjects and coincides with his time as a self‑trained illustrator. The work offers insight into his developmental phase, when he was honing observational skills that would later inform his narrative compositions.