On the Beach at Long Branch—The Children's Hour Possibly 1874

"On the Beach at Long Branch—The Children's Hour" is a wood engraving created by Winslow Homer in 1874, currently held in the Art Institute of Chicago. The piece captures a moment of leisure at Long Branch, a popular seaside resort. Homer depicts the scene through the eyes of children, emphasizing their playfulness and innocence. The detailed rendering of the figures and the beach environment showcase Homer's skill in capturing the nuances of light and shadow. This artwork provides a glimpse into the social life of the Victorian era, where seaside vacations were a common pastime for families and individuals alike.