The Buds 1860

"The Buds" is a wood engraving by Winslow Homer from 1860. The artwork depicts a young couple in a garden setting, possibly a romantic encounter. It showcases Homer’s early interest in social commentary and the use of fine detail and crosshatching in his engravings. The composition features the man and woman in a close proximity, hinting at intimacy, highlighting Homer’s attention to capturing emotional nuances in everyday interactions. This small yet detailed work exemplifies Homer’s early artistic skills in the medium of wood engraving.