The Family Record, from "Harper's Bazar," Vol. VIII
Original title: The Family Record, from "Harper's Bazar," Vol. VIII
kurzbeschreibung
A couple records entries in a family book — a scene Winslow Homer captured as a wood engraving for Harper's Bazar, where it appeared on August 28, 1875. The print measures 30.5 by 20.6 cm and combines a domestic subject with symbolic elements in black and white.
Description
At a table in the foreground, a man in shirt and vest writes in a book; beside him, a woman in a long-sleeved dress and shawl also makes a note. An open book lies on the tabletop, while on the wall hangs a portrait of a man in traditional dress. Under the table, a child rests on a small bed, holding a bouquet. The engraving uses simple but precise details, building shadows and surfaces through graduated grays.
Context
The illustration was intended for the American magazine Harper's Bazar, which appealed to a middle-class family readership. In the 1870s, Homer worked regularly as an illustrator for print media before turning entirely to painting. The theme of the family chronicle reflects the Victorian esteem for domestic records and genealogical memory.
Impact
A calm, familiar mood emanates from the image, supported by the clear arrangement and nuanced grays of the wood engraving. The view feels sentimental yet matter-of-fact, prompting reflection on family and memory.
Technique
Wood engraving is a relief printing process: the design is cut into a wood block and transferred to paper with printing ink. Fine lines and hatching create graduated grays, tailored for reproduction in magazines.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)