The Summit of Mount Washington
July 10, 1869
Medium
landscapes
Classification
landscapes
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift in memory of Samuel P. Avery
Accession Number
1946-68-1
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Winslow Homer's *The Summit of Mount Washington dated July 10, 1869, captures the majesty of New Hampshire's White Mountains, a popular destination for 19th-century American tourists seeking nature's sublime beauty. Painted during Homer's plein air excursions, this landscape reflects his mastery of Realism, emphasizing raw environmental drama over romantic idealization. As a leading American artist (1836–1910), Homer shifted from Civil War illustrations to evocative outdoor scenes, portraying the untamed American wilderness with bold, direct brushwork. The summit of Mount Washington, New England's highest peak at 6,288 feet, symbolized national pride and adventure in the post-Civil War era, drawing artists and climbers alike. Homer's work, now in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection (gift in memory of Samuel P. Avery), highlights his fascination with light, weather, and human interaction with nature—hallmarks of his evolving style before his later marine masterpieces. This piece invites viewers to feel the crisp mountain air and vast horizons, underscoring Homer's role in defining American landscape art as a celebration of the nation's expansive, dynamic identity.