Winslow and Henrietta Homer

Henrietta Benson Homer (1809-84), is known as the mother of American painter Winslow Homer. However, her own artistic prowess as a watercolorist is often overlooked in part due to her son’s notoriety. Winslow Homer himself actually exhibited his mother’s work in his Prout’s Neck studio. Henrietta’s influence on her son’s work is evident, as she specialized in nature studies. In the exhibition “Of Light and Air: Winslow Homer in Watercolor,” at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Homer’s interest in the natural environment is on full display. Henrietta exhibited her paintings at the Brooklyn Art Association during the 1870s and 1880s, and today her work can be seen in the MFA Boston’s exhibition.

Henrietta Homer’s study of butterflies is displayed alongside her son’s watercolor titled Trout Breaking. This uncanny fish study by Winslow Homer renders the leaping trout and butterflies with details and accuracy pulled from close observation. The swallowtail butterflies evoke his mother Henrietta’s study of monarchs in her own work. Homer held onto many of her paintings after she died in 1884 and likely pulled inspiration from her point of view and technique.

The conversation between Winslow and Henrietta Homer’s artwork inspired our retail team to build upon the iteration of their watercolors. We have an exclusive line of products that reimagine both Henrietta and Winslow’s work on everyday items. Henrietta’s butterflies take flight on our tote bag and canvas pouch, and Winslow Homer’s trout breaks out of the water on our beanie, mug, and more. Take these items home or give as a gift to a fellow lover of art and nature. These products are designed and produced specifically for the MFA Boston so you won’t find them anywhere else!