Fishermen in Oilskins, Cullercoats, England 1881

Winslow Homer made this graphite drawing in Cullercoats, England, likely in the 1880s. The material, graphite, is an everyday substance; we might even take it for granted. But consider its qualities in this context: its softness, which allows for subtle gradations of tone, and its capacity to capture a fleeting moment. These attributes are particularly well-suited to the scene Homer depicts. Look at the massed figures of the fishermen. They are represented with quick, gestural strokes, giving a sense of their rugged clothing and their shared purpose, perhaps waiting for the day's catch. The drawing is imbued with social significance. Homer's choice of graphite, a humble material, emphasizes the everyday nature of the fishermen's lives, their connection to the sea, and the labor involved in their trade. The apparent simplicity of the sketch belies the skill needed to render such a scene with such immediacy and sensitivity. By focusing on both the material and the context, we can better appreciate the depth and complexity of this seemingly simple work.