Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"The Yellow Jacket" is an exquisite watercolor painting by Winslow Homer, created in 1879. The composition captures a moment of casual relaxation, strongly evocative of summer and the serene beauty of rural life. A young boy, the painting's central figure, is seated in a sun-drenched meadow. His attire consists of a simple white shirt, rolled-up trousers, and a yellow jacket, which provides a vibrant contrast to the green and yellow hues of the surrounding landscape.

The boy appears to be deep in thought or rest, leaning back on his arms as he sits on the grass. His bare feet and relaxed posture evoke a deep sense of ease and connection with nature. The meadow is abundant with tall grasses and wildflowers, rendered in delicate washes of color that emphasize the translucency and fluidity characteristic of watercolor.

The backdrop features a softly painted blue sky with a few scattered clouds, adding depth and an idyllic atmosphere to the scene. The overall light in the painting is warm and natural, suggesting a late summer afternoon, enhancing the feeling of tranquility and contentment.

Winslow Homer (1836-1910) is revered as one of America’s foremost painters of the 19th century. Renowned for his versatility and keen observation skills, Homer's works span a wide range of genres, from Civil War documentation to intimate depictions of rural American life. His career evolved from his early days as a magazine illustrator to becoming a master of oil painting and watercolor.

"The Yellow Jacket" is a prime example of Winslow Homer's masterful use of watercolor, a medium in which he particularly excelled. Homer began experimenting with watercolor painting in the 1870s, and by the time he created this piece in 1879, he had already developed a profound proficiency with the medium. This watercolor belongs to his body of work depicting rural and coastal life, particularly in New England.

During this period, Homer was retreating from the tumult of post-Civil War America, seeking solace and artistic inspiration in nature. His focus shifted towards capturing the everyday moments and pastoral scenes, portraying them with a sense of simplicity and directness that border on the poetic.

As of the last known records, "The Yellow Jacket" (1879) is held in a private collection. However, Winslow Homer’s works, especially his watercolors, are widely held and displayed in prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.

1. Medium Mastery: The painting exemplifies Homer’s command of watercolor techniques, demonstrating his ability to layer washes and use the paper's luminosity to create a sense of light and transparency.

2. Emotional Resonance: The painting subtly conveys a narrative of peace, youth, and a moment of quiet reflection, showcasing Homer's talent for capturing the human experience within nature.

3. Stylistic Elements: The simplicity and directness of Homer's style in "The Yellow Jacket" are typical of his broader body of work, distinguishing him as a major figure of Realism. His ability to distill scenes into their essence without sacrificing emotional depth set his work apart.

Through "The Yellow Jacket," Winslow Homer offers viewers a glimpse into a serene, pastoral moment brimming with the quiet beauty and simplicity of rural life, rendered with his characteristic skill and sensitivity.