"Allow Me to Examine the Young Lady" (from "The Mistress of the Parsonage," in "Harper's Weekly") 1860

"Allow Me to Examine the Young Lady" (1860) is a wood engraving by Winslow Homer that originally appeared in *Harper's Weekly*. It depicts a humorous scene where a young woman is being examined by a group of men. The engraving was part of a larger illustration for the serial "The Mistress of the Parsonage" and showcases Homer's talent for capturing the details of everyday life. This piece is a part of a larger series of engravings that he created for *Harper's Weekly* during the 1860s. The drawing has a fine detail and contrasts between black and white that gives the piece a distinctive texture, a signature of Homer's work. "Allow Me to Examine the Young Lady," highlights Homer's early skill as a draughtsman and provides a glimpse into the social interactions and humor of the time.