Three Boats with Fishermen Setting Out a Net

Winslow Homer's drawing captures a working scene of commercial fishing off the American coast. Three vessels operate in shallow waters while fishermen deploy their net—a composition that reflects Homer's deep interest in maritime labor and coastal life. Created during his period of intensive study of nautical subjects, the work demonstrates his characteristic attention to the practical details of fishing operations. Homer's economical use of line and wash conveys both the vessels' forms and the rhythmic work of the crew, subjects he would continue to explore throughout his career as a painter and printmaker.