“Homer developed a penchant for forceful realism early in his career. Following an apprenticeship in a Boston lithography shop, he supported himself as a freelance illustrator, creating a wide variety of popular images that subsequently were published as wood engravings in national periodicals like Harper's Weekly. During the early 1860s, his themes ranged from stylish seaside–resort life to the horrors of the battlefield. Following an extended trip to Europe in 1866–1867, Homer adopted a warmer palette, a looser brush technique, and an interest in painting outdoor scenes that owed much to the influence of contemporary French artists such as Courbet, Manet, and Monet.⁣

Upon his return to the United States, Homer turned his attention to lively scenes of sports and recreation, painting warm and appealing images that perfectly suited the prevalent postwar nostalgia for a simpler, more innocent America. Breezing Up (A Fair Wind), painted during the country's centennial year, has become one of the best–known and most beloved artistic images of life in 19th–century America.”⁣

🏛 (National Gallery of Art, Washington DC)⁣

 Winslow Homer⁣ Breezing Up (A Fair Wind)⁣ 1873-76⁣ “Homer

“In the myths of Ancient Greece Helen of Troy was considered the most beautiful woman in the world. She has since has been a source of inspiration for artists who frequently represent her as the personification of ideal beauty.⁣

This version by Frederick Sandys, however, takes a very different approach, instead depicting Helen as a rather sullen young lady who appears very used to getting her own way.⁣

Sandys has used pre-Raphaelite principles of realistic detail and symbolism in painting this picture but shows us only the head and shoulders of Helen. Her luscious red curls and white skin are classic pre-Raphaelite ideals of beauty. But in this painting Helen has been removed from a context or narrative, leaving us to make up our own minds about what has caused her expression.⁣

Removing any other characters from the story suggests that she was a rather lonely and tragic figure. Yet the red flower in her hair and exposed body suggest she is captured in a moment of passion rather than when executing her royal duties.⁣

The poet Homer chose to depict Helen as a wistful, sorrowful character; other writers recounted a treacherous vixen. Sandys leaves us to make up our own minds.” -Michael Escolme⁣

 Anthony Sandys⁣ Helen of Troy⁣ 1867⁣ “In the myths of

Winslow Homer, A Temperance Meeting, 1874

 Winslow Homer, A Temperance Meeting, 1874 @philamuseum

 Winslow Homer, The Milk Maid, 1878 @ngadc #winslow #homer

 Winslow Homer, An Open Window, 1872 @portlandmuseum

Winslow Homer, Girl Reading Under An Oak Tree, 1879

 Winslow Homer, Girl Reading Under An Oak Tree, 1879 Private

 Winslow Homer, Morning Glories, 1873 Private collection

 Winslow Homer, Weaning the Calf, 1875 Oil on Canvas, 61 x

Watercolor and Gouache on Paper, 17.78 cm x 21.59 cm

Winslow Homer⁣ Breezing Up (A Fair Wind)⁣ 1873-76⁣ “Homer

Anthony Sandys⁣ Helen of Troy⁣ 1867⁣ “In the myths of

Winslow Homer, A Temperance Meeting, 1874 @philamuseum

Winslow Homer, The Milk Maid, 1878 @ngadc #winslow #homer

Winslow Homer, An Open Window, 1872 @portlandmuseum

Winslow Homer, Girl Reading Under An Oak Tree, 1879 Private

Winslow Homer, Morning Glories, 1873 Private collection

Winslow Homer, Weaning the Calf, 1875 Oil on Canvas, 61 x

Winslow Homer, Fishing, 1878 Watercolor and Gouache on

Winslow Homer, An Open Window, 1872 @portlandmuseum

Winslow Homer, Houses On A Hill, 1879 Private collection