Snap the Whip
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Winslow Homer
American, (active 1836–1910)
Homer painted at least two versions of this composition, "Snap the Whip," in 1872—a large study now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York (50.41), and a larger, final version in the Butler Institute (919-0-108). He also made a number of studies related to the work, which depicts a group of children playing in a field in front of a rural schoolhouse. The wood engraving was published in "Harper's Weekly", September 20, 1873.
Because of the existence of the wood engraving, this composition is one of Homer's best known. Homer's intent in making the work has been fully analyzed—from the compositional contrasts of the shape of the line of boys with the hillside in the background, to the contrast of activities (education as represented by the schoolhouse and play as represented by the children's game), and the themes of cooperative relationships versus independence. Homer was 36 years old and entering the latter part of his life when this work was created, and thus it may represent the painter's salute to the innocence and freedom of childhood.
American, (active 1836–1910)
Snap the Whip
1873
Object Type:
Print
Dimensions:
13 3/4 in. x 20 3/4 in. (34.93 cm x 52.71 cm)
Medium and Support:
Wood engraving on paper
Accession Number:
1989.0003.0004
Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Weil, Jr., in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Weil, Sr.
Homer painted at least two versions of this composition, "Snap the Whip," in 1872—a large study now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York (50.41), and a larger, final version in the Butler Institute (919-0-108). He also made a number of studies related to the work, which depicts a group of children playing in a field in front of a rural schoolhouse. The wood engraving was published in "Harper's Weekly", September 20, 1873.
Because of the existence of the wood engraving, this composition is one of Homer's best known. Homer's intent in making the work has been fully analyzed—from the compositional contrasts of the shape of the line of boys with the hillside in the background, to the contrast of activities (education as represented by the schoolhouse and play as represented by the children's game), and the themes of cooperative relationships versus independence. Homer was 36 years old and entering the latter part of his life when this work was created, and thus it may represent the painter's salute to the innocence and freedom of childhood.
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