Figure of a Woman 1875

Winslow Homer’s “Figure of a Woman” is made with graphite on paper. It is a simple combination, but the artist skillfully utilizes the medium, creating a study that feels immediate and direct. The image is built from hatching and cross-hatching lines, with variations in pressure creating darker values and a sense of depth. It's an efficient way to work, perfectly suited to capturing a fleeting moment. Homer was a prolific artist, and no doubt made many drawings like this one in preparation for his paintings. But the very modesty of the drawing, the evident work that went into it, gives it an appeal all its own. We see Homer thinking on paper, working through the challenge of representing the human figure. It's a reminder that even the most accomplished artists rely on fundamental skills and constant practice. Appreciating the drawing on its own terms allows us to see beyond conventional hierarchies between sketch and finished work, craft and fine art.