Detail: Homer's fingerprint

While picking up color, touching a wet passage directly may also leave a fingerprint behind; one of Homer’s is visible in the rocks at the center of the lower edge. The partial print is visible just beneath the white rivulets of water draining off the rocks, but it is impossible to know whether the artist intentionally used his fingertip to lighten this spot or whether he simply grasped the sheet too soon.


Detail of Prout’s Neck Breaking Wave, center of the lower edge, showing Homer’s fingerprint.