1892, Winslow Homer, Hound and Hunter -- National Gallery of Art (Washington)
From the Met exhibition label: After the first exhibition of this graphic scene, Homer felt compelled to explain that the hunter was not drowning the deer. Though he resented having to defend his paintings, he nevertheless clarified: “The critics may think that thar deer is alive but he is not, otherwise the boat & man would be knocked high & dry. I can shut the deer’s eyes, & put pennies on them if that will make it better understood.” Homer’s explanation did little to assuage potential patrons’ discomfort with the pictured struggle between human and animal. He kept this compelling canvas, which considers the relationship between predator and prey, hanging prominently in his studio for many years, until it was sold to a private collector.
1892, Winslow Homer, Hound and Hunter -- National Gallery of Art (Washington)
From the Met exhibition label: After the first exhibition of this graphic scene, Homer felt compelled to explain that the hunter was not drowning the deer. Though he resented having to defend his paintings, he nevertheless clarified: “The critics may think that thar deer is alive but he is not, otherwise the boat & man would be knocked high & dry. I can shut the deer’s eyes, & put pennies on them if that will make it better understood.” Homer’s explanation did little to assuage potential patrons’ discomfort with the pictured struggle between human and animal. He kept this compelling canvas, which considers the relationship between predator and prey, hanging prominently in his studio for many years, until it was sold to a private collector.