“ONLY THINK OF MY BEING ALIVE
WITH A REPUTATION (THAT YOU HAVE MADE FOR ME)”

WINSLOW HOMER. Autograph Letter Signed to Thomas B. Clarke, Enterprise, FL, 25 February 1899. 2 pages, 9¼" x 5¾".

The American artist Winslow Homer began his career as an illustrator, but he became a successful painter, in both oils and watercolor, noted especially for his genre scenes, seascapes, and landscapes. He writes here to Thomas B. Clarke, a leading collector and dealer of the time who specialized in American art and who was a major patron of Homer. By allowing frequent exhibition of the Winslow Homer paintings that he owned, Clarke helped popularize the artist’s style. In mid-February 1899, Clarke held a widely-publicized and highly successful sale of his collection of American paintings, and it is that notable sale that Homer discusses in this fine letter.

“Owing to the delay in the mails I have only just received the news of the great success of your sale,” Homer declares. “I owe it to you to express to you my sincere thanks for the great benefit that I have received from your encouragement of my work & to congratulate you.

“I have had a most successful winter at Nassau N.P. Bahamas,” he continues. “I found what I wanted & have many things to work up into two paintings that I have in mind. I shall not go North until it is warmer but I am through work for the winter & desire to report myself very well. Only think of my being alive with a reputation (that you have made for me).” He has signed, “Winslow Homer.”

In his later years, Homer often spent the months of January and February in a warm climate. Florida was his principal destination, but he also made two trips to the Bahamas, the second of them being the visit he mentions in this letter. Afterwards, he painted many scenes of the Bahamas, mainly in watercolor.

For information on Thomas B. Clarke, see the profiles of him in American National Biography Online and in the Grove Dictionary of Art Online.

The letter is written on pictorial hotel stationery from the Brock House in Enterprise, Florida. It has a small chip in the top margin, not affecting any text, and very slight fold wear. Overall, the letter is in very good condition. It is accompanied by the original envelope, addressed by Homer; this has some tears and wear.

A letter with fine association and content. $3500.00

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