Eight Bells
Winslow Homer
American Art
Already established as a successful painter, watercolorist, and illustrator, Winslow Homer decided to try his hand at etching during the revival of this medium, creating eight finished plates between 1884 and 1889. In Eight Bells, one of his finest efforts, two fishermen track their ship’s position amid stormy seas using nautical instruments and the sound of bells that rang from shore at set times of day. The powerfully simplified and asymmetrical composition not only heightens the drama of their plight but also reveals Homer’s familiarity with Japanese design principles.
MEDIUM
Etching of black ink on light beige, medium thick, smooth textured wove paper
DATES
1887
DIMENSIONS
Sheet: 23 7/8 x 29 3/8 in. (60.6 x 74.6 cm)
Image: 18 15/16 x 24 1/2 in. (48.1 x 62.2 cm) (show scale)
MARKINGS
Framer's marks on verso in graphite
SIGNATURE
Signed lower right in graphite: "Winslow Homer"
INSCRIPTIONS
Inscribed in plate below image center: "Copyrighted 1887 by C. Klackner 17 E. 17th St. NY"
COLLECTIONS
American Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
2003.26
CREDIT LINE
Bequest of Anita Steckler
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Winslow Homer (American, 1836–1910). Eight Bells, 1887. Etching of black ink on light beige, medium thick, smooth textured wove paper, Sheet: 23 7/8 x 29 3/8 in. (60.6 x 74.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Anita Steckler, 2003.26 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2003.26_PS1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 2003.26_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
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