Who painted Scene in Union Square, New York, on a March Day?

Scene in Union Square, New York, on a March Day was painted by Winslow Homer in 1860.

Where can I see Scene in Union Square, New York, on a March Day?

Scene in Union Square, New York, on a March Day is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Scene in Union Square, New York, on a March Day?

Scene in Union Square, New York, on a March Day is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Scene in Union Square, New York, on a March Day

Winslow Homer , 1860

Scene in Union Square, New York, on a March Day is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Winslow Homer produced the print *Scene in Union Square, New York, on a March Day* in 1860. The work captures a bustling New York street corner in Union Square during early spring, rendered in monochrome with a sketch‑like quality that emphasizes the immediacy of everyday activity.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a policeman consulting a notebook while an animated older man gestures wildly, apparently teasing about a misplaced hat. Around them, pedestrians, a street sweeper, and a bench‑sitter populate the scene, offering a snapshot of ordinary urban life and the small, humorous interactions that animate public spaces.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white, the print relies on loose, rapid lines that convey movement and a sense of controlled chaos. Homer’s economical drawing style strips the scene to essential forms, allowing the viewer to feel the brisk tempo of a March day in the city without decorative excess.

History & Provenance

Created early in Homer’s career, the piece reflects his transition from commercial illustration to fine art. While best known for marine subjects, this urban study demonstrates his observational approach to contemporary life, a characteristic that would inform his later watercolors and oil paintings.