Taking on Wet Provisions (Schooner Marked Newport, K. W.)
Original title: Taking on Wet Provisions (Schooner Marked Newport, K. W.)
kurzbeschreibung
Winslow Homer's 1903 watercolor shows a sailing yacht with several people busy handling the rig. Toward the front sits a smaller boat with one figure aboard, and the water runs with a slight chop. The sheet is worked in watercolor and graphite on cream-colored wove paper.
Description
The yacht holds the middle of the sheet, defined by several masts and sails. On deck, people in life vests appear to be navigating or working the canvas. A smaller boat lies forward with another figure in a vest. The lightly moving water picks up the yacht's colors, and a further sailboat can be made out behind. Tones stay muted, while the light reads clear and natural.
Context
Homer made this watercolor in 1903, during a stretch when maritime subjects occupied him closely. He returned repeatedly to the New England coast and watched the daily life of fishermen and sailors. The sheet belongs to his late work, when he concentrated on watercolors that often caught ordinary days at sea.
Impact
A quiet, matter-of-fact mood of sailing comes off the paper. Clear light and restrained color create an easy, unhurried atmosphere that draws the viewer into the maritime setting.
Technique
Watercolor and graphite on cream wove paper are used here. Homer relied on the transparency of the watercolor to render reflections on the water and the quality of the light with accuracy. Graphite gives contours and details a fine, draughtsmanlike precision.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)