Artwork

Mount Washington

Mount Washington, by Winslow Homer, oil, 1869
Mount Washington, by Winslow Homer, oil, 1869

Mount Washington is an oil painting by Winslow Homer. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Mount Washington is an 1869 oil painting by Winslow Homer, held in the Art Institute of Chicago. Homer, primarily self-taught and initially a commercial illustrator, rose to prominence in 19th-century American art through his landscapes, marines, and prolific watercolors.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on the rugged peak of Mount Washington in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, emphasizing its natural grandeur.

Technique & Style

Characterized by dense, weighty brushwork, the piece exemplifies Homer’s studio oil painting technique, distinct from his more fluid watercolors.

History & Provenance

Created in 1869, the work is part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, reflecting Homer’s established reputation by the late 19th century.

Context

Part of a broader 19th-century American landscape tradition, Mount Washington situates Homer alongside contemporaries exploring national identity through natural landscapes.

Legacy

As one of Homer’s notable oils, it contributes to his legacy as a pivotal American artist, bridging illustration and fine art.

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.