Three Blind Mice 1871

Winslow Homer's "Three Blind Mice" (1871) is a humorous and detailed illustration depicting the popular nursery rhyme. The image, now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art collection, utilizes a musical score as a backdrop to portray the chaotic scene of blind mice running from a cat. Homer's signature use of black and white line work, evident in his later paintings of war and nature, is evident here, creating a stark but playful visual. The work is considered to be an early example of Homer's mastery of illustration, drawing attention to the artist's broader artistic development.