Bathing at Long Branch---Oh 1871

Winslow Homer’s “Bathing at Long Branch---Oh, Ain’t It Cold!” is a wood engraving from 1871 depicting three women wading in the ocean. The three women, clad in bathing suits, are arranged in a triangle, two standing and one bending down. Homer’s work captures a moment of casual amusement with his characteristic realism, portraying the women’s expressions and postures. The wood engraving technique, with its fine lines and details, emphasizes the texture of the water and the women’s clothes, immersing the viewer in the scene. The caption, “Oh, Ain’t It Cold!”, adds a playful touch to the image, highlighting the chilly yet exhilarating nature of their swim. This piece is part of the larger cultural context of seaside recreation and the changing role of women in the late 19th century, reflecting the growing popularity of bathing as a leisure activity.