Ship-Building 1873

"Ship-Building," an 1873 wood engraving by Winslow Homer, depicts a scene of industrial activity in a shipyard. The dominant element is a large ship under construction, with a crew of men working on its frame. The foreground features a group of young boys playing with miniature boats crafted from scrap wood, contrasting the scale of the adult work. The engraving's detailed rendering captures the textures and details of the shipyard environment, showcasing Homer's talent for depicting both the grandeur of industry and the innocence of childhood. This work, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a testament to Homer's ability to portray the everyday life and work of Americans during the Industrial Revolution.