Illustrated Autograph Letter Signed with Exceptional Content

Homer instructs a gallery owner how to hang one of his paintings that he particularly loves. Autograph Letter Signed, Illustrated, 4 8vo pages on 2 separate sheets, Scarboro, Maine, Jan. 22, 1907, Illustration on page 3.

Homer writes to art gallery owner William Clausen, asking Clausen to bill him for the "frame 24 x 28...." then explains how to frame the painting. "I shall send the picture for it soon...As I am in love with it and have been for thirty years, I put a price on it so that it will not be sold at present. I know all the faults in it, but they are useful to the whole thing...hang it up high to keep people...at their proper distance. Three times its width. I should say that would be a good hint to them...[drawing at bottom of page 3]...This must net me $2400 as now I can afford to have it hanging in my own house...The years of money are all right but pictures are scarce...." Homer's drawing shows the gallery wall with railings in front demonstrating how his painting should be hung. The description that came with the letter explains that the painting was likely "Shall I Tell Your Fortune," painted in 1876 and depicting a pretty fortune teller sitting on the ground holding cards. Signed in full, "WInslow Homer." Fine in art related content. Condition: Light staining at left margins of pages 1 and 3 and transferring to pages 2 and 4 lightly affecting the words at the margins which remain clearly readable; chip to upper left corner of third page and paper clip stain on upper left margin of first page showing on the three subsequent sheets, uneven fading to various areas of text on each page.