Eight Bells (painting)

Eight Bells is an 1886 oil painting by American artist Winslow Homer. It is considered one of Homer's most iconic and recognizable works, and a prime example of his maritime themes. The painting depicts two sailors on the deck of a ship, taking a navigational reading with a sextant. The scene is set against a turbulent sea and overcast sky, conveying a sense of the power and unpredictability of nature, and the demanding life of sailors.

The title, Eight Bells, refers to the end of a four-hour watch at sea, a significant moment marking the transition from duty to rest. The painting is admired for its realistic depiction of the sailors' labor and their relationship with the sea. It showcases Homer's skill in capturing light and atmosphere, as well as his understanding of nautical life. Eight Bells is part of the permanent collection of the Addison Gallery of American Art at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. The painting is often interpreted as a commentary on human resilience and the challenges of facing the natural world.