The Boat Builders by Winslow Homer. Two young boys in straw hats sit among large rocks on a coastline, intently working on model sailboats.

The Boat Builders

Winslow Homer

1873 · Oil Paint, Panel

A nostalgic scene of childhood curiosity and craftsmanship on a sun-drenched coastal shore.

$243

For the selected configuration

From $129

6 frame sizes

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Frame color
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Paper type
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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

A measured, grounding piece with warm, lived-in color — asks little of the space around it.

Often works in
Living Room · Office · Study
Placement
Strong over sofas, beds, buffets, or wider open walls
Walls
Benefits from light or mid-tone surroundings
Color notes
Soft gray, Charcoal black, Deep burgundy

About the piece

Painted in 1873, this work by American master Winslow Homer captures two boys focused on their model ships against the backdrop of the Atlantic. The piece is celebrated for its naturalistic lighting and Homer's ability to imbue a simple scene of youth with quiet dignity and focus, making it a cornerstone of 19th-century American realism.