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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

The Signal of Distress

1891

Winslow Homer

Associated Names

Winslow Homer

Artist, American, 1836 - 1910

Christian Klackner

Publisher, American, 1850 - 1916

The image depicts a scene from the deck of a ship. The viewpoint is slightly elevated, showing figures engaged in activity. The horizon aligns with the ship's railing, revealing the rough ocean. The detailing is realistic, especially in the figures and equipment. The color scheme is monochromatic, with shades of gray and brown. A group of sailors in rain gear is preparing or securing a lifeboat. The sea and sky blend in the background.

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This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

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Artwork overview

Medium

photogravure in black on wove paper
Credit Line

Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams
Dimensions

Image: 443 x 696 mm (17 7/16 x 27 3/8 in.)
Primary sheet: 509 x 750 mm (20 1/16 x 29 1/2 in.)
Secondary sheet: 575 x 825 mm (22 5/8 x 32 1/2 in.)
Accession Number

2008.115.2563

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2012

Shipwreck! Winslow Homer and "The Life Line", Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2012.

Bibliography

2012

Foster, Kathleen A. Shipwreck! Winslow Homer and The Life Line. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, 2012: 84-86, 113 nt. 265, repro.

Inscriptions

Inscribed: Copyright 1891, by C. Klackner, New York. in plate, upper left; signed: Winslow Homer in pencil, lower left.

Wikidata ID

Q76548965

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