Skip to main content

Homer Collection Virtual Tour

Winslow Homer Collection

The Winslow Homer prints are a permanent exhibit that were donated to the Homosassa Public Library by the Friends of the Homosassa Springs Wildlife park. Additional prints were added to the collection by the Friends of the Homosassa Library.

About Winslow Homer


Winslow Homer, 1880 photo by Napoleon Sarony
Winslow Homer, 1880 photo by Napoleon Sarony (1821–1896)

“You will see, in the future I will live by my watercolors.”

Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer is considered by many to be one of America’s greatest Realism artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a lithographer, illustrator, and painter, using both oils and watercolors.

A native of New England, Homer made his first trip to Florida around 1885-1886. Travelling by steamer from the Keys in 1904, he visited the Homosassa area for the first time. Homer usually lodged at the Homosassa Inn and he enjoyed the opportunities to fish and paint locally.

Homer became inspired to paint several nature and marine scenes after seeing the picturesque Homosassa area. While in the area, Homer painted some of his most noted works as an accomplished artist in the medium of watercolor. He often left portions of white paper on his watercolor prints untouched to depict sunlight. Homer is known to have said “You will see, in the future I will live by my watercolors.”

The artist made regular winter visits to Homosassa until 1909. Winslow Homer passed away at his home studio on September 29, 1910 in Prout’s Neck, Maine.

About Winslow Homer


Winslow Homer, 1880 photo by Napoleon Sarony
Winslow Homer, 1880 photo by Napoleon Sarony (1821–1896)

“You will see, in the future I will live by my watercolors.”

Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer is considered by many to be one of America’s greatest Realism artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a lithographer, illustrator, and painter, using both oils and watercolors.

A native of New England, Homer made his first trip to Florida around 1885-1886. Travelling by steamer from the Keys in 1904, he visited the Homosassa area for the first time. Homer usually lodged at the Homosassa Inn and he enjoyed the opportunities to fish and paint locally.

Homer became inspired to paint several nature and marine scenes after seeing the picturesque Homosassa area. While in the area, Homer painted some of his most noted works as an accomplished artist in the medium of watercolor. He often left portions of white paper on his watercolor prints untouched to depict sunlight. Homer is known to have said “You will see, in the future I will live by my watercolors.”

The artist made regular winter visits to Homosassa until 1909. Winslow Homer passed away at his home studio on September 29, 1910 in Prout’s Neck, Maine.

Homer Collection Virtual Tour

Homosassa Branch Building Layout

Artwork Listing


  1. Winslow Homer: An Introduction & Compilation 1836-1910
  2. Homosassa Lodge & Guest Register 1904
  3. Homer’s Letter to his Brother Arthur 1904
  4. Homosassa River, Homosassa 1904
  5. Turkey Buzzard, Homosassa 1904
  6. Shell Heap, Homosassa 1904
  7. The Red Shirt, Homosassa 1904
  8. Black Bass, Homosassa 1904
  9. Homosassa Jungle, Homosassa 1904
  10. The Gulf Stream, Bahamas 1899
  11. Shore & Surf Nassau, Bahamas 1899
  12. Hurricane, Bahamas 1898
  13. Nassau, Bahamas 1899
  14. Sloop, Bermuda 1899
  15. Fishing Boats, Key West 1903
  16. Breezing Up, Massachusetts 1876
  17. Sheet of 50 (4-Cent) Stamps Issued December 15, 1962
  18. Flower Garden & Bungalow, Bermuda 1899

Get a Library Card


Library cards are available to ALL Citrus County residents and open the door to a new world full of imagination and possibilities.

  • Sign Up for a Library Card

Ask a Librarian


Sometimes you can't make it into the library. Send us an email or message to get your library or research questions answered!

  • Ask a Librarian