Artwork

Corner Winter, Washington and Summer Streets, Boston

Corner Winter, Washington and Summer Streets, Boston, by Winslow Homer, 1857
Corner Winter, Washington and Summer Streets, Boston, by Winslow Homer, 1857

Corner Winter, Washington and Summer Streets, Boston is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Corner Winter, Washington and Summer Streets, Boston (1857) is an oil painting by Winslow Homer, depicting a vibrant winter scene at a Boston intersection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a bustling urban moment, focusing on a top-hatted man with a large box amidst a diverse group of people, including women, children, and a horse-drawn carriage, conveying the energetic atmosphere of 19th-century Boston's daily life.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a realistic style, the work showcases attention to detail in attire and architecture, with a notable emphasis on capturing the play of light and shadow to enhance the scene's dynamism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1857 by largely self-taught artist Winslow Homer, who transitioned from commercial illustration to become a prominent figure in 19th-century American art through his oils and watercolors.

Context

Part of a broader trend in 19th-century American art focusing on everyday life, this piece reflects Homer's ability to balance detailed realism with the portrayal of common, bustling scenes.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not widely highlighted, it contributes to Homer's reputation for capturing the essence of American life in his era, influencing subsequent generations of artists in depicting everyday scenarios.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Winslow Homer

Artist

Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer (February 24, 1836 – September 29, 1910) was an American landscape painter and illustrator, best known for his marine subjects.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.