Winslow Homer
(American 1836–1910)

Illustrated autograph letter, 3 full pages, Scarboro, Maine, July 24, 1905. Addressed to Robert Bibby, presenting him with the watercolor entitled “Bear Hunting, Prospect Rock,” now in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Robert Bibby was the long time owner of the North Woods Club, where Homer often painted.

“Dear Mr. Bibby—I send you today by the Am. Ex the watercolor I promised you. If Rufus ever comes along your way—you must read to him this title to the picture, ‘Rufus Wallace Having Secured the Services of Mike Flynn as Guide has arrived on Prospect Rock, Essex Co., N.Y.’ Yours truly Winslow Homer.”

The third page has a sketch by the artist of the watercolor, which he has noted as “key to picture” at the top. Below the sketch he has titled it and described it. Homer’s estate hand stamp is at right.

The watercolor “Bear Hunting, Prospect Rock” was acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 1929, from the collector and patron John Gellatly (1852–1931).