Snap the Whip by Winslow Homer
1872, Oil on Canvas, 22 x 36 in.
First and foremost, who remembers this game? I remember watching people play this, mostly boys, but I was a rather petite little child and playing this game just might have killed me. I avoided dangerous games like dodge ball, so I am sure this was definitely up there on the "No way Jose" list. This game has been around forever- this and Red Rover are favorite recess games. Just look at the date of this picture, proof that it's been around for at least 100 years. Anyways, I love this picture. Winslow Homer illustrated for Harper's Weekly doing mostly Civil War stuff, but after the war he switched to happier things- like 19th century America, hooray!
Snap the Whip is just so precious. It reminds me of reading Little House on the Prairie during Christmas vacation- just simple and happy times. The little boys have not a care in the world and are just playing a game they love. Homer loved to paint the good 'ol days before the Industrial Revolution. I fear that when I show my kids this picture in many years to come, they will say something like, "You mean these little boys didn't have video games?" I admit, at times it is even hard for me to remember a time without technology, but I do remember dial-up internet- something I am proud of!
All and all, this image is just one of those timeless pieces. From the beautiful detail of the landscape, to the sky that looks like a storm is coming, to the little house in the background, to the little boys cute clothes, and to the little details of the flowers in the grass- this is just plain cute. You can not help but look at this painting and think, "Awww" while smiling. Winslow Homer created a lot of images that evoke a simple smile and THAT is something I can definitely appreciate.
Winslow Homer wants us to just smile.
