In a Florida Jungle

Artist Winslow Homer (American, 1836–1910)

Date1885–1886

Mediumwatercolor over graphite, with scraping, on moderately thick, moderately textured, off-white wove paper

Dimensionssheet: 35.8 × 51 cm (14 1/8 × 20 1/16 in.)

ClassificationsWatercolors

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Terms

Object number1911.19

Label TextThe winter following his trip to the Bahamas, Homer traveled to Florida from December 1885 to February 1886. This was the first of Homer's seven trips to Florida. Although these were ostensibly fishing trips, Homer took the opportunity during three of these vacations to paint in watercolor the exotic places he visited. In a Florida Jungle typifies Homer's interest in the rich textures and colors of the Florida landscape, including the fan-like palmetto fronds in the middle distance and the moss-draped trees in the background. Amidst this natural beauty, Homer stages a deadly drama: The alligator prepares to lunge for the spoonbill at the left side of the composition. Two turkey buzzards circle above, waiting ominously for the uneaten remains of the carcass. Competition in nature became an increasingly important theme in Homer's work. This watercolor demonstrates Homer=s return to greater technical complexity than in the relatively spare watercolors painted at Nassau the previous winter. The trees in the distance are built up in layers of washes, whereas the sky and beach are in part rendered by scraping paint from the paper. Homer achieved the texture and color of the palmetto fronds by rewetting and lifting paint from the lighter areas, then adding another thin wash of color on top. These techniques also aided Homer in heightening the drama. The alligator was first placed on the beach in plain sight, but Homer removed the large reptile by scraping the paper and then painted the predator again in the water. This change gives the viewer knowledge of the danger that is now hidden from the bird. ProvenanceEstate of the artist; (E.L. Knoedler, New York); purchased by the Worcester Art Museum, 1911.

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