Hurricane, Bahamas (1898-99) by Winslow Homer

Hurricane, Bahamas - Winslow Homer - 1898

Artwork Information

TitleHurricane, Bahamas
ArtistWinslow Homer
Date1898
MediumWatercolor
Dimensions14 1/2 x 21 in. (36.8 x 53.3 cm)
Art MovementRealism
Current LocationMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY, US

About Hurricane, Bahamas

“Hurricane, Bahamas” is an exquisite watercolor artwork created by Winslow Homer in 1898, belonging to the Realism movement. Measuring 14 1/2 x 21 inches (36.8 x 53.3 cm), this landscape genre painting is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY, US.

The artwork captures the intense atmosphere of a tropical storm bearing down upon the Bahamas. In the foreground, the roofs of buildings, possibly made of corrugated material, are depicted with earthy tones and flashes of red and yellow detailing, indicating perhaps the vibrant paint typical of Bahamian architecture. A series of palm trees, bent and swaying under the force of the wind, dominate the midground. Their leaves are rendered with fluid, sweeping brushstrokes, which convey a sense of violent movement and the power of the natural elements at play.

The background consists of tumultuous, brooding skies, depicted in shades of grey, suggesting both the imminent threat and the darkness of the storm clouds. The horizon is punctuated by a dark blue strip, indicating an agitated sea, which, together with the stormy sky, creates a feeling of oppressive weight and tension. The entire scene is void of human presence, thus intensifying the focus on the raw power of nature and the resilience of the built environment amidst environmental extremes. Homer’s skill in watercolor is evident in the way he skillfully depicts the layers of the storm, achieving depth and realism through a masterful control of color and light. The painting resonates with the viewer, successfully conveying the tumult and unease associated with hurricanes.

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