Where Are the Boats? is a striking seascape by American artist Winslow Homer, one of the most important painters of 19th‑century American realism. In this work, Homer captures the dramatic tension of the open sea, a vast, restless expanse rendered with his signature clarity and emotional depth.
The composition centers on turbulent waters under a shifting sky, creating a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. The absence of the boats mentioned in the title adds a poetic layer: it invites viewers to imagine what has happened just beyond the frame, a narrative suspended in time. Homer’s masterful handling of light and atmosphere reflects his lifelong fascination with the power, danger, and beauty of the ocean.