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Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer, one of America's most celebrated artists, found inspiration and solace in the coastal town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Known for his evocative seascapes and maritime scenes, Homer's time in Gloucester left an indelible mark on his art. Let's explore Homer's relationship with Gloucester and the enduring legacy of his seascapes.

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Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer, one of America's most celebrated artists, found inspiration and solace in the coastal town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Known for his evocative seascapes and maritime scenes, Homer's time in Gloucester left an indelible mark on his art. Let's explore Homer's relationship with Gloucester and the enduring legacy of his seascapes.

Take A Deeper Dive

Discover more Gloucester history below or skip to the map to find the next location.

About Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer, a Boston native, came to Gloucester in the summer of 1873, arriving from New York by train. He stayed at a hotel on the corner of Main Street and Western Avenue and focused on pencil sketches. Years later in 1880, Homer returned by train to Gloucester, looking to break free of his New York studio and further explore his experimentation with watercolors in the open air. Homer stayed on Ten Pound Island, which is situated in the center of Gloucester’s bustling harbor. He stayed in a granite outbuilding (no longer on the island), along with the light keeper and passing vessels and fishermen.

Ten Pound Island

Ten Pound Island has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early 1600s. The island, named allegedly for either the ten-pound sum paid to the local Native American tribe by early settlers or the number of sheep pens (pounds) it could hold, has been an essential part of Gloucester's maritime legacy. The island's most prominent feature is the Ten Pound Island Light, a historic lighthouse established in 1821 to guide mariners safely into Gloucester's inner harbor. It was originally built as a small stone structure and later replaced in 1881 with the current brick tower.

National Gallery's "Breezing Up" Painting

“Breezing Up (A Fair Wind)” is one of the most iconic paintings housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. This masterpiece was created by Winslow Homer, a preeminent figure in American art, who is celebrated for his profound understanding of the sea and coastal life. This painting, completed between 1873 and 1876, during the country's centennial year, has become one of the best-known and most beloved artistic images of life in 19th-century America. It emerged from sketches and watercolors Homer made during a visit to Gloucester.

PBS Special: Robert Hughes On Homer

In a PBS special, critic Robert Hughes delves into the work of Homer, providing thought-provoking analysis and commentary. His expertise offers valuable insights into the artistic significance of Homer's creations.

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Rum Running & Ten Pound Island

Ten Pound Island becomes the backdrop for an intriguing tale of rum running, evoking images of clandestine activities and maritime adventures. The history surrounding Ten Pound Island as a hub for rum running adds an intriguing layer to its maritime significance.

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I SPY! Homer's "Fog Warning"

In this historical documentary you may get visual sense of what Homer may have seen during his summer visits to Gloucester. Portuguese fisherman, at work cod-fishing from their Dory, often times in rough seas.

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Majestic Harbor Time Lapse

Witness the breathtaking beauty of a majestic harbor through a captivating time-lapse video that captures the ever-changing colors and movements of the sea. This mesmerizing footage showcases the dynamic nature of the harbor, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its captivating atmosphere.

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