Figure on Horseback and Other Studies [verso] 1861

Winslow Homer made this pencil drawing, "Figure on Horseback and Other Studies," during his lifetime. This work invites us to consider the social conditions that shape artistic production. Homer, working in a rapidly industrializing America, often depicted scenes of rural life and the relationship between humans and nature. Although faint, the figure on horseback connects to a long history of equestrian portraiture, often associated with power and prestige. However, Homer's sketch seems more informal, perhaps even a study for a larger work. Was he interested in critiquing the traditional associations of the equestrian portrait? Was he democratizing the image by showing an anonymous rider? As historians, we can explore these questions by researching Homer's other works, his social and political context, and the artistic conventions of his time. By understanding the social and institutional forces at play, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the meaning and significance of this seemingly simple sketch.