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^[[ [[underlined]] COPY for Mr. Seligman.[[/underlined]] ]]

[[preprinted]] 
JOHN J. CUNNINGHAM
111 EAST SIXTY-FIFTH STREET
NEW YORK 21, NEW YORK
REGENT 7-9880
[[/preprinted]]

April 23d., 1964.

Mr. Oscar Dalsbecker:
Nordenskioldsgatan, 24,
Gothenberg, Sweden.

Dear Mr. Dalsbecker:

One of my friends has read in the newspaper, the interesting story of your painting of Cardinal Richelieu. Like many collectors, he has a special interest which is, in his case, historical scenes and portraits. For that reason, he has come to me, since I am an art consultant, and for many years have advised with him.

Of course, I do not know whether you are planning to keep your painting or to sell it. In either event, I would be very glad to have a photograph of it for my friend, with the size of the canvas noted, the present condition and the coloring. Perhaps you would write me what you have discovered about its history? Has the painting been much restored, or has it been re-lined? Many years ago, I knew Director Wettergren at the Royal Museum, Stockholm but I think he has now retired.

If you have given thought to selling the painting, would you kindly tell me at what price you value it? In this way, I can give my friend accurate information direct from you, and not what we call "hearsay". If you would name your lowest figure, my friend would know at once, whether he could afford to buy.

With my best wishes and hoping to hear from you,
I remain,

Sincerely yours,

John J. Cunningham

P.S. If you have a color transparency of the portrait, and would send it, it would give a better impression of the coloring than does a black-and-white photograph. I would return it promptly after showing it to my friend. Have you a good art historian in Goteburg on French paintings?
J.J.C.