Winslow Homer, Hardy Lee, Eric Rudd

This may not be an anniversary you've circled on the calendar, but Falmouth-based historian Eric Rudd, 73, wanted me to know that today marks 150 years since the publication of "Mr. Hardy Lee, His Yacht," a book by Charles Ellery Stedman. Why do we care? Because Rudd, who picked a volume up for $25 in a used book store in 1971, feels as if he has made an important discovery about it: The lithography is by none other than Winslow Homer.

Rudd also suggests a cultural relevance, as the book serves as a sort of precursor to the graphic novel. See for yourself here.

Rudd first wrote about his analysis in a 1974 issue of Antiques Magazine, but now, with additional information, he would like to write a book about the Hardy Lee lithos.

"Without recognizing that it's Homer, which it definitely is, any art students, and any people who are aficionados of Homer are missing a very, very important work by him," says Rudd.