"Allow me to Examine the Young Lady—" Possibly 1860

"Allow me to Examine the Young Lady—" is a wood engraving by Winslow Homer, likely created around 1860. This artwork, part of a larger illustration for Harper's Weekly, depicts a scene of social interaction where a man dressed in a suit approaches a woman sitting at a desk. The scene's narrative is left open to interpretation, but it is characteristic of Homer's early career, known for its focus on social commentary and the complexities of human interaction. The engraving's realism and the artist's adept use of light and shadow contribute to its powerful and intriguing portrayal of everyday life.