Undertow 1886

Winslow Homer painted 'Undertow' in 1886, and the image depicts a dramatic rescue attempt, with muscular men pulling women and children from a rough sea. Paintings like this reflected a broader cultural fascination with the sea and its dangers. The late 19th century saw the rise of seaside tourism, but it was also a time when maritime disasters were common, and news travelled fast. Homer's choice of subject speaks to his interest in contemporary life. With this in mind, it is worth noting the gendered division of labor. In this painting, men take action, while women need to be saved. This reflects the period's prevailing social norms, where men were expected to be active and strong and women were considered more fragile. To understand the social history that lies within paintings like this, we can delve into newspapers, periodicals, and other visual materials, to properly understand the social norms it represents.