Hopper's Ledger Books

Beginning in 1913, Hopper kept track of his artistic production in inexpensive record books, making a small sketch of each picture and sometimes noting the materials used. (“Zinc white, Rembrandt colors, poppy oil, mostly palette knife painting,” runs a typical entry.) After her marriage to Hopper, Jo began adding descriptions. Each entry also notes the date of delivery to Hopper’s dealer, Frank Rehn, and the price for which the painting sold as well as a calculation of Hopper’s two-thirds share. The books—five in all—include lists of exhibitions in which Hopper participated, an occasional clipping or reproduction, records of the Hoppers’ travels, and a list of works given to friends, supporters, and fellow artists.