When it comes to the British embracing American cultural icons, there has never been any stopping us. Andy Warhol, Mark Twain, Norman Rockwell, Georgia O’Keeffe, Elvis – the list is extensive and glittering – have all been adopted into our lexicon of household names. If they’re big across the pond, they’ll be huge on our small island. Except, it seems, for Winslow Homer.
Despite being a celebrated name in the States – often described as ‘the quintessential American painter’ – and living in the UK for the best part of two years, the 19th-century artist remains essentially unknown here. But this is set to change as the National Gallery, in collaboration with the Met Museum in New York, stages a comprehensive exhibition of Homer’s work; some 50 pieces which will serve as both an introduction of – and homecoming for – the artist.
“It’s interesting how popular he’s always been in America and
