Winslow Homer’s Watercolor Box and Brushes, ca. 1900-1910, 1964.69.191 and 1964.69.193.a–.b
Winslow Homer’s Watercolor Box and Brushes, 1900–1910
Gifts of the Homer Family
1964.69.191 and 1964.69.193.a–.b
In anticipation of Winslow Homer’s birthday on February 24, seen here are some tools of his trade: two paintbrushes and his watercolor box. The acclaimed American artist (1836-1910) is best known for marine landscapes depicting both rugged work and quiet leisure, often in the medium of watercolor. The watercolor box is signed by the artist under one of the interior lids, “Winslow Homer, Scarboro Beach, Maine.” One can also see his hand-written color notations on the mixing trays. Commercially available watercolor sets were manufactured by William Winsor and Henry Newton. These chemist/painters discovered how pre-mixed watercolors could be stored, in either tubes or pans, to be activated with the mere touch of a wet brush. They relieved the artist of having to mix pigment and binder in the studio.
Winslow Homer’s Watercolor Box, ca. 1900-1910, 1964.69.191