The Life Line
1884 · Oil on canvas · Philadelphia Museum of Art
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About this work
- Artist
- Winslow Homer (1836–1910)
- Year
- 1884
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Original size
- 72.7 × 113.7 cm
- Collection
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Movement
- Realism
A rescuer slides along a cable above huge waves, holding an unconscious woman in a breeches buoy, his face hidden by her blowing red scarf. Homer had studied the new life-saving apparatus at Atlantic City in 1883, and the painting was bought on the opening day of the National Academy exhibition in 1884. It is in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
This print reproduces the whole work, uncropped, from a high-resolution scan of the original. The original is in the public domain.
Where it works
A dramatic rescue at sea in grey-green and white for a study or hallway, framed in black. It suits slate, navy or white walls and makes a gift for a lifeguard, sailor or rescue worker.
Style, size & framing detail
- Style
- Realism painting
- Era
- 19th century (1884)
- Orientation
- Landscape
- Mood
- dramatic, moody
- Rooms
- hallway or entryway, study or library, living room, dining room
- Good gift for
- housewarming, art lovers
Size. Prints at 18×12, 24×16, 36×24 in — 18×12 for a shelf, desk or a gallery-wall grid; 24×16 above a console or sideboard; 36×24 as the statement piece above a sofa or headboard.
Framing. The gallery ground is part of the print, so frame it without a mat — black suits the deep tones of this period; dark wood warms it.
Pairing. Pairs as a set of three with other famous painting prints (10% off three or more).
Details & materials
Shipping & returns
Is this the whole painting, or a crop?
Is The Life Line in the public domain?
What is it printed on?
When was The Life Line painted, and in what medium?
What size works above a sofa or bed?
About this design
The Madten promise
An exhibition poster
The same artwork as a gallery exhibition poster — title, artist & date typeset beneath the image on a soft ground.
