Summer Night (1890) by Winslow Homer

Summer Night - Winslow Homer - 1890

Artwork Information

TitleSummer Night
ArtistWinslow Homer
Date1890
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions102 x 76.7 cm
Art MovementRealism
Current LocationMusée d'Orsay, Paris

About Summer Night

“Summer Night,” a magnificent work by Winslow Homer dated 1890, is an oil on canvas that embraces the Realism art movement. The artwork’s dimensions are 102 by 76.7 centimeters. Characterized as a marina genre, the painting is a testament to the artist’s skill in capturing the essence of a seaside atmosphere. This notable piece is housed in the renowned Musée d’Orsay, located in Paris, which is home to many pivotal works of art spanning various movements and periods.

The artwork portrays a serene nocturnal seascape with a group of figures by the shoreline. The vividness of the moonlight reflecting off the undulating waves provides a dynamic contrast to the subdued darkness of the night sky and the surrounding environment. A solitary female figure, prominently positioned in the foreground, captures the viewer’s attention—her clothing billowing in the nocturnal breeze. This central figure communicates a sense of freedom and connection to the natural world, her pose suggesting movement that resonates with the fluidity of the sea behind her.

In the background, additional figures are depicted in a more subdued manner, absorbed by the shadows. Their presence adds depth to the scene and invites contemplation on collective experience versus individual sentiment. The horizon is just discernible, with the faint outline of a ship contributing to the maritime theme and underscoring the vastness of the ocean. Overall, the artwork captures the interplay of light and shadow, movement and stillness, reflecting Homer’s mastery in portraying human interaction with nature’s inherent beauty and power.

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