Northeaster

Two figures appeared on the rocks in the version exhibited in 1895. Homer later removed them and enlarged the spray. Revision changed the balance between people and sea. The surviving painting concentrates on waves, rocks and wind.

A huge column of white spray rises on the left. Enlarging the water’s force belonged to the painting’s later revision.

A blue-green wave curls through the centre. Colour distinguishes solid water beneath the white foam.

Dark sloping slabs fill the lower left. Still rocks receive the moving water’s impact.

White foam streams across the lower right. Different stages of a wave appear simultaneously across separate areas.

A narrow crest rises from another breaker on the right. It shows the storm as several continuously succeeding impacts.

Homer settled at coastal Prouts Neck in 1883. The documented removal of people reveals a specific decision that strengthened the seascape’s independent role.