Who painted Signature in Palette?

Signature in Palette was painted by Winslow Homer in 1873.

Where can I see Signature in Palette?

Signature in Palette is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Signature in Palette?

Signature in Palette is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Signature in Palette

Winslow Homer , 1873

Signature in Palette is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Winslow Homer produced the drawing titled Signature in Palette in 1873. Executed with pen and brown ink on wove paper, the piece consists of a few spontaneous lines that suggest a simple form, accompanied by the artist’s handwritten name in the lower right corner. The work is informal, resembling a quick visual note rather than a completed illustration.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features a single, wavering line that can be read as a stylized hat, a cloud, or an abstract shape, with a handful of short strokes beneath it. The ambiguous form invites multiple interpretations, while the presence of Homer's signature emphasizes the personal, almost diary‑like quality of the sketch.

Technique & Style

Rendered in brown ink, the drawing relies on minimal line work and a loose hand. The strokes are uneven and unrefined, reflecting a spontaneous approach typical of preparatory sketches. The lack of shading or cross‑hatching underscores its immediacy, focusing attention on gesture rather than surface detail.

History & Provenance

Created early in Homer's career, the piece dates to 1873, a period when he was transitioning from illustration to independent painting. The drawing remains in a private collection, having been documented in catalogues of Homer's drawings without a known exhibition history.