The Boston Common

This early engraving was executed while Homer still resided in his native Boston. Bostonians of Homer’s time were justifiably proud of the Common, as indicated by the Harper’s article that this illustration accompanied: “Take the Common as it stands, with the fountain, and the elm, and the historical associations—and I defy the world to produce its equal.” As a preferred venue for fashionable promenades and the healthinducing recreation of children, the Common was a valuable asset in the competitive cultural battles waged among American cities, outstripping New York in this category until Central Park was closer to completion.