Who painted "Our Next President"?

"Our Next President" was painted by Winslow Homer in 1868.

Where can I see "Our Next President"?

"Our Next President" is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is "Our Next President"?

"Our Next President" is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

"Our Next President"

Winslow Homer , 1868

"Our Next President" 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

The title hints this might be about politics, but the scene feels more like a casual gathering.

This sketch shows a group of five people sitting at a table, talking and drinking. The woman in the center holds a glass and looks lively, while the others lean in, listening. Behind them, shelves hold books and a framed portrait of a man with a beard.

The title hints this might be about politics, but the scene feels more like a casual gathering. The artist used simple lines and shading to show movement and expressions.

Next, check out Winslow Homer (American, 1836–1910) for more of his work.

Overview

Created in 1868, "Our Next President" is a pen-and-ink sketch by American artist Winslow Homer. The work depicts a small group gathered around a table, engaged in conversation and drinking. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art and exemplifies Homer’s early forays into genre scenes before his later focus on marine subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows five figures seated at a table, with a central woman raising a glass and appearing animated. The surrounding participants lean in, suggesting attentive dialogue. Shelves lined with books and a framed portrait of a bearded man form the backdrop, hinting at a domestic or intellectual setting rather than a formal political rally, despite the title’s suggestion.

Technique & Style

Homer employs simple, confident lines and subtle cross‑hatching to convey the figures’ posture and facial expression. The sketch relies on tonal shading rather than elaborate detail, creating a sense of movement and immediacy. This economical approach reflects his background as a commercial illustrator and foreshadows the more mature handling of light and form seen in his later watercolors and oils.

History & Provenance

Winslow Homer (1836–1910) began his career illustrating for magazines before turning to oil painting and watercolor in the 1860s. "Our Next President" originates from this transitional period, when he was experimenting with genre subjects. The piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, where it remains on view as part of the museum’s American art holdings.