The artwork titled “Key West, Hauling Anchor” was created by the artist Winslow Homer in the year 1903. The medium used in this work is a combination of graphite and watercolor on paper. Homer’s piece is a reflection of the Realism art movement, and it falls under the genre of marina, which pertains to sea-related scenes or coastal subjects.
This particular work of art vividly depicts a maritime scene likely capturing a moment of seafaring activity that is true to the Realist style’s focus on everyday life. The composition centers around a sailboat whose crew appears to be engaged in the laborious task of hauling the anchor, preparing to set sail or adjusting their position in the water. The sails are mostly furled, with only a portion left flapping in the wind, and the boat is angled in such a manner that implies movement and effort.
The horizon divides the artwork roughly into two parts, with a serene sky above and darker, gently undulating waves below. In the background, one can discern the faint silhouette of land with palm trees, suggesting a tropical location, and thus aligns with the title referencing Key West. The artist’s use of watercolor provides a translucent quality that captures the fluidity of the sea and sky, thereby enhancing the realism of the scene. His skillful handling of light and shadow creates a vivid contrast that brings focus to the figures actively working on the vessel.
