Winslow Homer was not only the 19th Century's most popular artist and illustrator, but he is also considered one of the most important American artists of all time. The warmth and charm with which he interpreted the American experience has enchanted generation after generation. His best known works have been his water colors and oil paintings; reproductions of these are commonplace.

As popular as Homer has remained, it was not until the early 1950's that his work as an illustrator was "rediscovered" on a large scale. These illustrations provide an invaluable insight into Homer's style development and into the social history of the Civil War and postwar eras. Renewed interest in his illustrations has led to many Homer exhibitions at such places as Smith and Bowdoin Colleges and at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.