The Noon Recess (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. XVII) 1873

Winslow Homer's "The Noon Recess" (1873), a wood engraving, depicts a quiet moment in a rural schoolhouse. The composition highlights the contrast between a young girl lost in thought and a boy seemingly engrossed in play. The detailed rendering of the room, including the blackboard with the alphabet, suggests the ordinary yet significant setting of a child's world. This work, originally published in *Harper's Weekly*, reflects Homer's keen observation of everyday life and his ability to capture the essence of childhood innocence.