Winslow Homer Audio Guide
Primary source documents such as Homer’s letters help us learn more about his character, views, family, and relationships through his own words.
As you listen to or read Winslow Homer’s letters, which details give you an idea of how he lived and worked? His personality?
Winslow Homer Family Tree
Letter from Winslow Homer to his brother Charles S. Homer, Jr.
January 14, 1897
Dear Charlie
On no account send me a dog — The only companion I want is a Bobolink (sketch of bird) (bird) & the next time I go to Boston I shall get one.
My rooms are very very sunny this time of year the sun being low shines under my top piazza into my house & with new stove makes this place perfect. — all but the bobolink — as for robbers I have no fear of them, sleeping or waking — I am a dead shot & should shoot, without asking any questions if was in my house after 12 at night, —
I can do this, (living alone) without any chance of a mistake — you could not do this without shooting Mrs. Wilson or Mr Welch or your wife — who might be hunting for a quiet place to sleep in —
I asked you a day or two ago if you were well — you did not reply to that — but this bull dog talk would suggest that you are all right — Father is loosing a good time by not agreeing to mind his business & retire from active life. I mean now that I would like to write to him about what is going on here but dare not.
Yrs
Winslow
P. S. to C.H.S. letter. Fathers lunch was brought up by Joe & Father said to him, “I had rather have a flogging than that!” — Joe remarked Mr Homer, zare is no Frogs in ze market this time of year
Winslow Homer, Letter to Charles S. Homer, Jr. (Brother), January 14, 1897, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.67.a.–c.
Winslow Homer, Letter to Charles S. Homer, Jr. (Brother), January 14, 1897, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.67.a.–c.
Winslow Homer, Letter to Charles S. Homer, Jr. (Brother), January 14, 1897, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.67.a.–c.
Winslow Homer, Letter to Charles S. Homer, Jr. (Brother), January 14, 1897, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.67.a.–c.
Winslow Homer, Letter to Charles S. Homer, Jr. (Brother), January 14, 1897, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.67.a.–c.
Letter from Winslow Homer to his brother Arthur Homer
January 21,1907
Dear Arthur
I am glad that you think of going to Galveston. It is time you did - It is near the last of the month — you must let me know when you decide on any steamer & date — & I will try and see you before you go.
I am too busy at present to leave here & when I do leave I shall not go South of Norfolk — that is the best hotel & more sea trips daily to go & return same day.
I have been south now for five or six years & know it well.
Now to answer your question about the golf grounds. The Wiggins house has been taken down & moved off at the Neck — The Old Farm house & barn are being moved now — Of course the game will be played next Summer. You could play it now the rougher the ground the more fun it would be — I have no time to write the days are short & there is now a tide in my affairs that I am taking at the flood — Evenings I have other use for The past eight days have been a great trial everything frozen up in the house outside my sleeping room every night I have an army of pails & the well is done up every day like a rag on a toe —
I have Lawrence daily. I keep my food that would freeze in my library — I find this life much pleasanter than having nothing to do but kill time.
Yrs Affy
Winslow
Winslow Homer, Letter to Arthur B. Homer (Brother), January 21, 1907, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.128.a.–c.
Winslow Homer, Letter to Arthur B. Homer (Brother), January 21, 1907, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.128.a.–c.
Winslow Homer, Letter to Arthur B. Homer (Brother), January 21, 1907, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.128.a.–c.
Winslow Homer, Letter to Arthur B. Homer (Brother), January 21, 1907, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.128.a.–c.
Winslow Homer, Letter to Arthur B. Homer (Brother), January 21, 1907, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.128.a.–c.
Winslow Homer, Letter to Arthur B. Homer (Brother), January 21, 1907, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.128.a.–c.
Letter from Winslow Homer to his sister-in-law Mattie Homer
December 29, 1891
Dear Mattie
I do not live next door to the Post—Office — & so I cannot be as prompt as I would like to be in acknowledging such a very fine present. I have proof that there is something fine in that wine, as I had taken a glass & was peeling vegetables for my dinner & thinking of the painting that I had just finished, & singing with a very loud voice. See! the Conquering Hero Come. & I sung it, “Sound the Parsnip, Beat the Drum! I have just sent the picture off. When I go to N. Y. in Feb’y I will show you these things.
Yrs
Winslow
Winslow Homer, Letter to Mattie Homer, December 29, 1891, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.45
Winslow Homer, Letter to Mattie Homer, December 29, 1891, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.45
Letter from Winslow Homer to his brother Charles S. Homer, Jr.
February 21, 1895
Dear Charlie
I am very well with a birth day tomorrow. I suppose I have 14 more, (That was mother’s age 73 years) and what is 14 years when you look back. The life that I have chosen gives me my full hours of enjoyment for the balance of my life, The Sun will not rise, or set, without notice, and thanks. Only think of my absolute freedom, I have gained in, one item, a years time in the last 12 years, at one month a year ( Jury duty for which I am willing to pay the community in work more agreeable to me. And of more value to them. Other things, (notably, my being a spendthrift, ) are in favor of home here.
Yrs Affy Winslow
Love to Mattie
Winslow Homer, Letter to Charles S. Homer, Jr. (Brother), February 21, 1895, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.5
Winslow Homer, Letter to Charles S. Homer, Jr. (Brother), February 21, 1895, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.5
Letter from Winslow Homer to his friend, Maine architect John Calvin Stevens
June 26, 1901
Dear Mr. Stevens
I am very much surprised & pleased at your bill—This kind of thing occurs seldom in matters of business.
The interest that you have shown in this cottage of mine & the valuable time that you have given
to it in your busy season & your success in producing it - shows me that I can Greet you as a brother Artist— & thanking you sincerely- I send you this sketch of mine that I think is appropriate & Will please you—
Yours Very Truly
Winslow Homer
Winslow Homer , Letter to John Calvin Stevens I (1 of 14), 1901, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Calvin Stevens II, 1988.38.12
Winslow Homer , Letter to John Calvin Stevens I (1 of 14), 1901, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Calvin Stevens II, 1988.38.12
Letter from Winslow Homer to his father Charles S. Homer, Sr.
December 5, 1886
Dear Father
I have just put coal on the fire, which accounts for this smut. I made a mistake in not getting a larger stove. It is very comfortable within ten feet of it. It heats the room within two feet of the floor, & water freezes anywhere within that space. I wear rubber boots & two pair of draws I know very well what a mistake I am making. I should “simply irritate skin & take a cold bath.” But water is scarce I take a sponge & pick out certain portions of my body which I do at any time of tide, & always I break four inches of ice to get any water. I thank the Lord for this opportunity for reflection & I am grateful for the advantage I enjoy over Sir John Franklyn.
Affectionately Winslow
Great storm last night. Cold as
Winslow Homer, Letter to Charles S. Homer, Sr. (Father), December 5, 1886, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.28
Winslow Homer, Letter to Charles S. Homer, Sr. (Father), December 5, 1886, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.28
Letter from art collector Thomas Clarke to Winslow Homer
November 5, 1892
Dear Mr. Homer
I enclose my cheque for $1000. In payment for the unframed canvasses
“Carnival”
“Visit to the Missie”
Your kind letter of Oct 25 was duly received. I had no idea of exhibiting your picture except in one room in my residence on 44 St. The display at the NAD was for a week and made a happy hit.
I thank you for letting me know about your new picture. I want to see it and should perhaps want to own it. When comes to NY couldn’t I get a private look. Boston is a long way off for me to go but I shall if you say so.
Next month as per agreement I shall remit for the Coast scene.
Faithfully yours
Thomas B. Clarke
Thomas B. Clarke, Letter to Winslow Homer, November 5, 1892, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.41
Letter from Winslow Homer to his sister-in-law Mattie Homer
June 19, 1887
Dear Mattie
I hasten (after having weeded my garden) to write to you expressing thanks to you & your family for your great kindness -- also I will say, I am perfectly well.
It is not as quiet here as in West T - as Arthur after hearing Barray Chandler, has discovered a new accomplishment — he “sounds his A” to the tune of banjo & “Give me sweet Violets!” is in the air A church’ is being built with much hammering as it must be finished by July 1st.
Little Arthur is a fine boy — he is very much improved — The other (Charlie) is not old enough to show any good traits. Arthur & Alice are very pleasant & agreeable. Miss Hamilton has the house looking clean & in good order. The church is of great value to the property here it is very pretty -- is quite near house.
Yours affectionately
Winslow
Winslow Homer, Letter to Mattie Homer, June 1885, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.39
Winslow Homer, Letter to Mattie Homer, June 1885, ink on paper, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of the Homer Family, 1964.69.39