Artwork

"Orrin, Make Haste, I Am Perishing"

"Orrin, Make Haste, I Am Perishing", by Winslow Homer, 1868
"Orrin, Make Haste, I Am Perishing", by Winslow Homer, 1868

"Orrin, Make Haste, I Am Perishing" is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

He’s wearing a loose shirt and cap, looking back toward the shore where a bridge and trees stand.

This black-and-white drawing shows a boy in a small boat on choppy water, holding a long pole. He’s wearing a loose shirt and cap, looking back toward the shore where a bridge and trees stand. The water is full of ripples, and the shore is dark with bushes and a few bare trees.

The title hints at a story—someone is calling for help, but the boy seems focused on his task. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement in the water and wind.

Next, check out Winslow Homer (American, 1836–1910) for more of his bold, real-life scenes.

Overview

Winslow Homer's 1868 print 'Orrin, Make Haste, I Am Perishing' is a black-and-white drawing that captures a dramatic maritime scene. The work showcases Homer's skill in conveying narrative through visual elements.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a boy in a small boat on turbulent water, holding a long pole and gazing back towards the shore. The title implies a desperate cry for help, suggesting a narrative of human struggle against the forces of nature.

Technique & Style

Homer employed quick, sketchy lines to convey the movement of the water and wind, creating a sense of dynamic energy. The use of black and white adds to the dramatic effect, emphasizing the turmoil of the scene.

Context

This work is characteristic of Homer's broader focus on marine subjects and human struggle, aligning with the American Realist tradition of the late 19th century.

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.