Who painted "I Call them my Children - To Myself, Susan."?

"I Call them my Children - To Myself, Susan." was painted by Winslow Homer in 1869.

Where can I see "I Call them my Children - To Myself, Susan."?

"I Call them my Children - To Myself, Susan." is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is "I Call them my Children - To Myself, Susan."?

"I Call them my Children - To Myself, Susan." is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

"I Call them my Children - To Myself, Susan."

Winslow Homer , 1869

"I Call them my Children - To Myself, Susan." is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1869, *I Call them my Children – To Myself, Susan* is a watercolor by the American artist Winslow Homer. The work belongs to the extensive series of watercolors that Homer produced alongside his more widely known oil paintings and illustrations, reflecting his habit of recording scenes from his surroundings with a keen eye for detail.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a man and a woman standing amid a lush garden, surrounded by an assortment of blossoms and foliage. The figures are dressed in dark clothing, the woman’s attire accented by a white collar, suggesting a domestic or intimate setting. While the title hints at a personal dedication, the image itself offers a quiet observation of a private, cultivated space.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the piece demonstrates Homer's precise handling of the medium, achieving fine detail and realistic texture in both the flora and the figures. The careful layering of washes captures the translucency of petals and the subtle play of light, while the overall rendering retains the crispness associated with his illustrative background.

History & Provenance

The watercolor was produced during a period when Homer was transitioning from his early career as a commercial illustrator to a focus on fine art. By the late 1860s he was actively exploring watercolor as a means of documenting his travels and observations, and this work exemplifies that phase of his artistic development.

Context

Homer’s watercolors often served as visual journals of his experiences, contrasting with his larger oil canvases that frequently depicted marine subjects. This garden scene reflects his broader interest in everyday American life and the natural environment, themes that recur throughout his oeuvre.