The artwork “Eight Bells” was created by artist Winslow Homer in 1886 and is an exemplar of the Realism art movement. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 64 by 76.7 centimeters and can be classified within the genre painting category. This piece of art is currently held at the Addison Gallery of American Art, which is part of Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork captures a maritime scene focused on two sailors performing a navigational task. Both figures, clothed in sea-worn attire including helmets that suggest they are prepared for harsh weather conditions, are intently engaged with their instruments. The setting is aboard a ship with a detailed depiction of the sea in the background. The ocean appears turbulent and alive with cresting waves under an overcast sky, indicating a moment of intense concentration and perhaps impending challenge. The sailors’ task, suggested by the title of the artwork, is likely taking measurements for navigation purposes, such as determining the ship’s position at the time when the eight bells toll, which traditionally marks the end of a four-hour watch. Homer’s mastery of painting is evident in the rendition of the textures—the fabric of the sailors’ clothing, the wooden elements of the ship, and the dynamic sea. The palette is subdued, with hints of sunlight breaking through the clouds, casting a sense of atmospheric realism. This artwork speaks to themes of human endeavor, the interplay between man and nature, and the rigorous realities of life at sea.
