Archives Scrapbooks

HARVARD ALUMNI BULLETIN 925

WATER COLORS BY WINSLOW HOMER

The Fogg Museum will hold, from May 5 to June 12, an exhibition of water colors by Winslow Homer.

Few American artists can lay claim to a purely native talent. Winslow Homer is one, if not the greatest, of these. Of pure New England stock, being directly descended from Captain John Homer who sailed his own ship from England to settle in Boston in the middle of the 17th century, Winslow Homer fulfilled his destiny, untaught and uninfluenced. The very character of the artist's genius is summed up in his own words, “If a man wants to be an artist he must never look at pictures”. From the earliest beginnings of his artistic career, which may be followed in William Howe Downe’s “Life and Work of Winslow Homer”, to the very end, Homer, both as regards essence and form, worked out his art for himself. Ripening slowly, his latent ability finally bloomed, not to alter nature, but, as in Corot’s phase, “to complete nature”.

It was not until Homer was forty years of age that he painted a picture truly to be considered great for its own merits rather than for its promise. Not until this artist was almost fifty, did he give to the world his impression of fisher folk and the sea. Not until he was 54 did his greatest marine scenes without figures appear. And at the age of 69 his finest works were finally evolved. To quote from Mr. Kenyon Cox’s excellent analysis of the artist, “If he, Winslow Homer, had died at fifty, he would be remembered as an artist of great promise and as the author of a few pictures in which promise had become performance. It is because he lived to be 74 that his career is the great and rounded whole we know”.

Homer visualized his goal, and with clearness of mind, sturdiness, and independence, he achieved it. He worked first as a lithographer’s assistant, with the natural result of intensifying his innate ability at draughtsmanship, then as correspondent for Harper’s Weekly during the Civil War. At the close of the war, ten years of work in magazine and book illustration were spent before he was to reach even a close approximation of his later heights. His trip to France influenced him little if any, and a view of a Picardy farm is almost the only evidence there is of his continental travel. In 1876 he at last found his true themes, telling what must have lain fallow within him. His heritage was that of a line of sailors, the rhythm of the sea was in his blood and only needed to be called to the surface. His English holiday at Cullercoats did this.

Prout’s Neck, Me., a name synonymous with Homer, saw him settled there in 1884, and at the edge of the sea he painted the battle between ocean and land. Trips to the Adirondacks and Canada gave him notes for some of his best work, and in these pictures it is isolation and emphasis again which gave them magic. Out of the seemingly ordinary Homer extracted the irrelevant, and with vision and simple arrangement “completed nature”.

To study Homer as a colorist one naturally turns to the pictures of his various trips to Florida and the Bahamas. This is rather because of the natural riotousness of the colors in these localities than Homer’s coloristic tendencies. The bending palm, rich green, contrasting against a sun-drenched sky, and the black skin of natives against the bluest of water, intensifies the coloristic idea. Certainly one would hardly think of Homer as a colorist in the sense that one thinks of John Martin or La Farge, were it not for such works as “The Gulf Stream”, now in the Metropolitan Museum, New York.

Thus when we compare this truly American artist with others of his country and time, Fuller, Hunt, Whistler, La Farge, Wyant, and Martin, we see that none has been so persistently and emphatically national. None has leaned so little on the English or European traditions for counsel or correction, and yet achieved such just acclaim.

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin dated March 1932. The page is titled "Water Colors by Winslow Homer" and discusses the artist Winslow Homer.

The text describes Winslow Homer as one of the few American artists who can claim a purely native talent, despite being descended from English settlers. The article highlights his artistic journey, starting from his early, uninfluenced work and his development over time. It mentions his self-taught nature, his deep connection to the sea, and his meticulous approach to capturing natural scenes.

Key points include:

• Homer's significant contributions to watercolor art.
• His trips to various locations like Florida and the Bahamas, which influenced his artistic style.
• His goal was to achieve a natural and finished result without altering nature.
• His works were often noted for their clarity, vividness, and independence.
• The article compares Homer’s work to other notable American artists, emphasizing his unique and authentic style.

The article also notes that Homer's watercolors are displayed in various prominent museums, including the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

The image displays a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 925, dated March 6, 1932. The article discusses Winslow Homer, an American artist, and highlights an upcoming exhibition of his watercolors at the Fogg Museum from May 5 to June 12.

Key points from the text include:

1. Native Talent and Background: Winslow Homer is noted for his purely native talent and his direct descent from Captain John Homer, who settled in Boston in the 17th century. Homer's artistic career began with a promise of greatness and was characterized by a lifelong dedication to his craft.

2. Artistic Development: Homer's art evolved slowly and was initially influenced by nature and the sea. He developed his unique style and focus on capturing the essence and form of his subjects, particularly the sea and coastal scenes.

3. Career Milestones: Homer's artistic promise was realized in his 40s, with significant works appearing around the age of 54 and 69. His later works were praised for their vividness and clarity, despite the artist's passing at the age of 74.

4. Themes and Influences: Homer’s work was deeply influenced by his trips to places like Florida and the Bahamas, where he found inspiration in the natural beauty and color of these locales. His work is noted for its distinctive coloristic tendencies, particularly the use of rich greens and blues.

5. Comparison with Other Artists: The text compares Homer to other American artists, emphasizing his unique national identity and his departure from English or European artistic traditions.

6. Legacy: The article concludes by noting Homer's enduring impact on American art, highlighting his distinctiveness and the lasting influence of his work.

The image is a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 925, dated May 6, 1932. The article is titled "Water Colors by Winslow Homer."

The article discusses Winslow Homer's exhibition of watercolors at the Fogg Museum from May 5 to June 12. It highlights Homer's unique talent, noting that he was of pure New England stock and descended from Captain John Homer, who sailed his own ship from England to settle in Boston. Winslow Homer fulfilled his destiny by becoming an artist, and his works are described as having a distinctive character that captures the essence and form of nature.

The article mentions that Homer's talent was not immediately recognized, and his major works were created later in life. He is noted for his depictions of the sea, which became prominent in his later years. Homer's works are said to have a natural riotousness, with rich coloristic tendencies, contrasting against a sun-drenched sky and the blue of the sea.

The article compares Homer to other prominent American artists like Homer Davenport, Thomas Eakins, and John La Farge, emphasizing Homer's unique and independent style. It concludes by stating that Homer's work achieved just acclaim, despite not being influenced by European traditions.

The image is a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," dated June 8, 1922. It contains an article titled "Water Colors by Winslow Homer."

Here are the key points from the article:

1. Exhibition Announcement:

   • The Fogg Museum is set to hold an exhibition of watercolors by Winslow Homer from May 5 to June 12.

2. Winslow Homer's Background and Talent:

   • Winslow Homer is described as a uniquely American artist, not greatly influenced by European styles.
   • He was a direct descendant of Captain John Homer, an early settler in Boston.
   • Homer's early career was as a commercial illustrator, working for Harper’s Weekly during the Civil War.

3. Artistic Career and Style:

   • Homer began his serious artistic career after being inspired by William Howe Downes’ "Life and Work of Winslow Homer."
   • His work evolved over time, focusing on essence and form rather than meticulous detail.
   • He didn’t achieve immediate recognition; it was only after nearly fifty years that his genius was widely acknowledged.
   • Homer painted marine scenes without figures, demonstrating his deep understanding of the sea.
   • At the age of 69, he produced some of his finest works, showcasing his enduring talent.

4. Recognition and Legacy:

   • Kenyon Cox compared Homer to great poets and authors, emphasizing his rounded and complete nature.
   • Homer’s work is noted for its clarity, independence, and straightforwardness.
   • His career is seen as a journey of relentless striving and achievement, with a clear goal in mind.

5. Travel and Influence:

   • Homer traveled to various places, including the Adirondacks, Canada, Florida, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the English coast at Tynemouth.
   • His time in Tynemouth during the close of the American Civil War influenced his maritime paintings.

6. Comparative Analysis:

   • The article compares Homer to other prominent American artists such as John La Farge, James McNeill Whistler, and John S. Sargent.
   • It argues that Homer’s work stands out for its nationalistic and emphatic qualities, capturing the essence of American subjects.

Overall, the article praises Winslow Homer's unique contribution to American art, emphasizing his independence from European influence and his mastery in capturing the natural world.

The image is a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 925, dated June 6, 1932. The article on the page is titled "Water Colors by Winslow Homer."

The article discusses an upcoming exhibition at the Fogg Museum, scheduled from May 3 to June 12, featuring watercolors by Winslow Homer. The author describes Homer as a native talent, born in Boston in 1836, who initially worked as a lithographer before turning to painting. Homer's career is outlined, noting his early illustrations for magazines and his later focus on watercolors.

Key points include:

• Homer's early career as a lithographer and his transition to painting.
• His travels to France and the influence of French art on his work.
• His distinctive style, which evolved over time, particularly his watercolors.
• The article mentions his trips to the Adirondacks, Canada, Florida, and the Bahamas, highlighting his unique approach to color and light.
• Homer's work is compared to other American artists, emphasizing his independent and nationalistic style.
• The article concludes by noting that Homer's work has been widely appreciated and acclaimed.

The text is dense and detailed, providing a comprehensive overview of Homer's life and artistic development.

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin titled "WATER COLORS BY WINSLOW HOMER" which appears to be an article on an art exhibition. The text refers to an exhibit held from May 5 to June 12, which featured a collection of watercolors by Winslow Homer. The article appears to discuss Homer's artistic contributions and influence, mentioning his technique and notable works as well as places he has been. It provides insights into his journey, his deep connection to New England, and his transformation as an artist.

The page includes a three-hole punch on the left margin, indicating that it was likely bound in a binder or archive. The page is typewritten and shows some signs of aging, such as slight discoloration. At the top right corner, there's a pencil-written note, possibly a catalog or reference number ("M5036 | 6 1933"). The page number "925" is visible on the upper right, and the content is laid out in two columns with a clean and formal presentation characteristic of academic or professional bulletins. The date or volume of the bulletin, however, is not visible within the image.

This image shows a single page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin." The page is titled "WATER COLORS BY WINSLOW HOMER," and it discusses an exhibition of watercolor paintings by Winslow Homer scheduled to be held at the Fogg Museum from May 5 to June 12.

The text provides background information on Winslow Homer, emphasizing his unique talent and artistic career. It mentions his early life, European influences, and subsequent success in America, noting how Homer transitioned from lithography and magazine work to becoming celebrated for his marine scenes and watercolor paintings.

Additionally, the page features an analysis of Homer’s artistic achievements and his contribution to American art, comparing him with other contemporary and European artists. The publishing date is indicated at the top right corner as May 6, 1933.

The image shows a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin" with the headline "WATER COLORS BY WINSLOW HOMER." The article announces an exhibition at the Fogg Museum from May 5 to June 12, featuring watercolors by Winslow Homer. It praises Homer as one of the greatest American artists, highlighting his New England heritage and artistic development. The text discusses Homer's artistic philosophy, the late blooming of his talent, and the distinctive qualities of his work, including his isolation, emphasis, and use of color. The article also compares Homer with other notable American artists and notes the lasting acclaim he achieved despite little influence from English or European traditions. The page is mounted on a larger sheet with holes punched along the left edge, suggesting it was part of a binder or collection. The date "May 6 1932" is written in pencil at the top right corner.

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically issue number 925. The page features an article titled "Water Colors by Winslow Homer" and is dated May 5 to June 12, as indicated by the text at the top. The content discusses the life and artistic contributions of the renowned American painter Winslow Homer, emphasizing his unique talent and the evolution of his career.

Key Details from the Image:

1. Title and Context:

   • The article is part of a bulletin from Harvard University, suggesting it is an educational or commemorative piece.
   • The title, "Water Colors by Winslow Homer," indicates the focus on Homer's work, particularly his watercolor paintings.

2. Content Overview:

   • The text provides a detailed account of Homer's life, artistic development, and legacy.
   • It highlights Homer's New England roots, his maritime heritage, and his journey as an artist.
   • The article mentions Homer's early career, his move to New York, and his later works, including his famous marine scenes and portraits.

3. Visual Elements:

   • The page is printed on aged, slightly worn paper, giving it a vintage appearance.
   • There are visible perforations along the left edge, suggesting it may have been part of a bound volume or periodical.
   • The text is typeset in a classic serif font, consistent with early 20th-century printing styles.
   • The page number 925 is clearly visible at the top right corner.
   • There is a handwritten note in the top right corner that reads "MAY 6 1932," likely indicating when the page was reviewed or annotated.

4. Content Highlights:

   • The article discusses Homer's early life, including his descent from Captain John Homer, who sailed in the middle of the 17th century.
   • It notes Homer's artistic journey, from his early work to his later mastery of watercolor, particularly in marine scenes.
   • The text references Homer's famous works, such as "Life and Work of Winslow Homer" and "Ripening, Work, both as regards essence and form."
   • It also mentions Homer's later years, including his work as a lithographer’s assistant and his contributions to Harper’s Weekly during the Civil War.

5. Tone and Purpose:

   • The tone is informative and appreciative, celebrating Homer's artistic achievements and legacy.
   • The article serves as both a historical account and a tribute to Homer's impact on American art.

Summary:

The image depicts a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin that provides a detailed biography and appreciation of the artist Winslow Homer. The page is dated May 6, 1932, and includes perforations and a vintage aesthetic, suggesting it is part of an archival or historical collection. The content focuses on Homer's life, artistic evolution, and contributions to American watercolor painting.