Hon. James A. Pearce 1859

This wood engraving by Winslow Homer, "Hon. James A. Pearce," depicts a portrait of a politician, the title clearly indicates this. The work is from 1859 and is an example of the artist's early work. The image is a bust portrait, highlighting the subject, Mr. Pearce, a Congressman from Maryland, who is positioned against a background of text. The fine lines of the engraving detail the subject's clothing and facial features, conveying the realism that Homer became known for. This realistic portrayal was typical for the genre of wood engraving, and the artist's mastery of this technique is evident in this piece.