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^[[Copy for J.S. & Co.]]

^[[file]]

[[preprinted letterhead]] REGENT 7-9880

JOHN J. CUNNINGHAM
111 EAST SIXTY-FIFTH STREET
NEW YORK 21, NEW YORK [[/preprinted letterhead]]

October 17th., 1958.

Doctor Hector Ynchaustegui,
Director-General de Bellas Artes,
Ciudad Trujillo,
Dominican Republic.

Dear Senor Director-General,

It is my rare privilege to offer Your Excellency one of the most important paintings by a Spanish artist, to arrive in the past several years.  Ascribed to [[underlined]] Bartolome BERMEJO, [[/underlined]] this magnificent [[underlined]] "Descent from the Cross [[/underlined]]" displays many of the known characteristics of this distinguished master, some uniquely his own.  Painted as it was, for a great church, perhaps it could be a gift of your Great Benefactor to the Cathedral of Ciudad Trujillo.  It would certainly be understood and treasured by the people of a Catholic Spanish-speaking country whether in a church or your splendid Museum.

I am sending a photograph of the painting in black-and-white and thus one can only derive an approximate conception of the beauty of the costumes and the majesty of the composition.  If you desire it I can send for your inspection a color transparency in faithful and vivid color, but I would [[underlined]] then [[/underlined]] request you to return it as it is my only color photograph......unless of course, your interest prompts you to wish to see the actual painting, here in New York.

This Spanish XVth Century (about 1[[strikethrough]]5[[/strikethrough]]^[[4]]4 5) painting is on wood panel, [[underlined]] 38 1/2" [[/underlined]] high by [[underlined]] 48 1/4" [[/underlined]] wide, and because of its great value, it is sealed in an airtight and moisture proof steel case as protection against changes of temperature and humidity.  Naturally, this thick wood panel and metal case combine to a considerable weight and therefore the necessity to seeit in New York, as it can not be freely shipped about.  Because of the Export Laws of Spain, the possibility of acquiring a Spanish painting of this importance is almost non-existent so the offer made above must be subject to a prior sale.

If Your Excellency would wish to arrange to see the painting or to send an associate to see it, I will be glad to arrange such an appointment, at your convenience or that or your representative.

With my thanks for your consideration, I am, Senor Director-General,

Sincerely yours,

John J. Cunningham

Photograph