Robert Indiana kept a series of illustrated journals during the late 1950s and 1960s, in which he discusses the development of his work as well as his daily life on Coenties Slip.

In his journal entry for July 17, 1961, Indiana records that he gave a third coat of gesso to four canvases. He also notes that he began working on "Rebecca—The Fair Slaver" (The Fair Rebecca), painting the stenciled letters cobalt blue. The entry includes a color sketch of the work, with the note "painting underway."