Artwork

New York Charities - St. Barnabas House, 304 Mulberry Street

New York Charities - St. Barnabas House, 304 Mulberry Street, by Winslow Homer, 1874
New York Charities - St. Barnabas House, 304 Mulberry Street, by Winslow Homer, 1874

New York Charities - St. Barnabas House, 304 Mulberry Street is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. New York Charities – St.

About this work

Overview

New York Charities – St. Barnabas House, 304 Mulberry Street, a print by Winslow Homer (1874), presents a scene of daily life within a charitable institution in late 19th-century New York City, highlighting the artist's focus on contemporary social realities.

Subject & Meaning

The piece captures a moment of communal activity at St. Barnabas House, depicting individuals engaged in mundane yet meaningful tasks such as sewing, reading, and conversation, underscored by a sign reading 'Peace be to this house,' emphasizing the space's purpose as a refuge.

Technique & Style

Characterized by simplicity and a focus on everyday life, the drawing reflects Homer's Realist approach, prioritizing the depiction of ordinary people in unadorned settings, with plain furniture and worn attire, eschewing grandeur for authenticity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874, this work exemplifies Homer's transition from commercial art to capturing the essence of American life, though specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided in the available information.

Context

Emerging from the late 19th-century American social landscape, the work contextualizes the role of charities like St. Barnabas House in supporting urban populations, mirroring the era's social and economic challenges.

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.