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[[letterhead]] CASTELLANA HILTON

Po CASTELLANA, 55
MADRID - ESPANA
TELEFONO: 37 22 00
CABLE: HILTELS MADRID [[/letterhead]]

Page 2.

gown repainted and some of the small parts of background.  The price 2,000,000 pesetas outrageously high but the owner obviously open to bargaining.  She has promised to look up certificate.  I am interested to get a copy of the catalog if possible, as it is of an Exhibition of Flemish Primitives owned in Spain.

We go today to see another GOYA but I am not much persuaded that it will be anything to interest you.  Also a Velasquez....???

I am assuming that Rottier has not complained about the book sale price.  I am awaiting your cable as to what you think about making use of the fact that I am here in Europe to try to recoup in some way the expense of crossing.  If I go on to Geneva where I would try to get something from Lanckoronski, I can telephone the Villa and try to get a rendezvous with Encar.  There to take up the basin and the book of drawings, and some of the more important engravings.  (stripped from the matts).  Also try to get him interested in a visit from Ranschburg for further books.  We might as well make something out of those if he will sell.

Then if you agree with me that it is important to anticipate Mrs. Drey or some one else, I could go on to V. and see what we could do with the Altdorfers.  It was not desirable to go into the matter of the Holbein Dwg and the "Strigel" Salome, as it would take too long and perhaps be overheard.  Franz v. Matsch and his wife are leaving for N. Y. soon.  I would like to see him if possible.

Forgot to say above, that Labat said he had two other possibilities for the Pant. ptg.  One a very rich man in Switzerland and also a man in Norway....I said yes, the man in Norway was offering the painting all over the place in Paris and London, two years ago but told me that he had no export permit and one was not necessary.  Also at a much lower price.  That floored him.

Frankly, I am not convinced that you would have bought the painting on seeing it.  It is a picture with fine color and bravura painting of the costume, but the face is far from interesting, and the drawing of arms very careless.  I realized however that a large, well documented Goya is a rarity and while not wild about it, must concede that its a good picture, if one can find a buyer who likes it... that is, well enough to pay one hundred thousand or more.

I am presenting my letters today, and may have something to write about later.  Meanwhile, awaiting your wire,

^[[Regards  John]]

[[preprinted]] A Hilton Hotel [[/preprinted]]