A Littoral Life 1879

"A Littoral Life," an 1879 work by American artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910), is a small, detailed ink drawing housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The image depicts two figures, likely fishermen, sitting on a rocky shore gazing out at a bright moon rising above a dark, distant horizon. This work, with its detailed rendering of the figures and setting, is a prime example of Homer's exploration of coastal scenes and the lives of those who work the sea. The drawing's small scale belies the impactful scene it depicts, a testament to Homer's skill as a draftsman and his ability to capture the essence of a moment.