Waiting for Calls on New Year's Day (from "Harper's Bazar," Vol. II) 1869

Winslow Homer created this print, "Waiting for Calls on New Year's Day" for Harper's Bazar. It portrays a group of women in an ornate parlor, their expressions reflecting a mix of anticipation and ennui. The window, a dominant motif, is a liminal space, a boundary between the private sphere and the outside world of potential suitors. The act of gazing outward connects to a history of similar poses in paintings of women throughout the ages, from classical depictions of Penelope awaiting Odysseus, to Renaissance portraits of secluded noblewomen. The gesture of looking out of the window appears in many guises, yet the underlying psychological narrative remains constant: a yearning for connection, and the unknown, a poignant blend of hope and anxiety. It's a powerful force engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. This composition is a reminder of how emotional and psychological weight can be carried across different eras.