Esteemed American painter (1836–1910) whose supreme skill in depicting the landscape and culture of nineteenth-century America earned him a place among the towering figures in the history of art. ALS, one page, 7.75 x 13, September 25, 1896. Homer writes to Prang [Louis Prang, 1824–1909, the eminent lithographer and art publisher]. In part: “On referring to the terms of the Carnegie conditions of their exhibition at Pittsburgh where I am to send that picture I mentioned—I find that it must be shown for the first time in their gallery so I shall not send it to the country club for which I sent you a card….” The work to which Homer alludes is evidently his painting The Wreck (1896), first exhibited at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh (now the Carnegie Museum of Art). The painting was the first work acquired by the museum for its permanent collection, and today remains a cornerstone of the museum’s American art holdings. Intersecting mailing folds (touching signature; tiny edge separations), mild toning with a few small faint stains (lightly touching first name), and a touch of light handling wear, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
