On the Fence by Winslow Homer. A boy wearing a wide-brimmed hat sits atop a wooden fence rail while a girl in a ruffled dress reaches up toward him beneath a canopy of green leaves.

On the Fence

Winslow Homer

1878 · Graphite, Gouache Paint, Watercolor Paint, Wove Paper

A charming 1878 watercolor by Winslow Homer capturing a nostalgic and quiet moment of childhood play in a sun-dappled rural setting.

$243

For the selected configuration

From $129

1 frame size

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Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)

Where it works

An airy piece with steady character with warm, lived-in color — keeps the wall feeling open.

Often works in
Living Room · Bedroom · Nursery
Placement
Reads easily in vertical wall spaces
Walls
Reads strongest when the wall gives it contrast
Color notes
Soft gray, Olive green, Warm beige

About the piece

Created in 1878, 'On the Fence' is a superb example of Winslow Homer’s mastery of watercolor and gouache. The work depicts two children interacting by a rustic fence, showcasing Homer’s signature ability to capture the play of natural light through foliage and the gentle innocence of 19th-century American life. The soft, earthy palette and delicate brushwork make it a timeless piece for traditional or transitional interiors.