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May 10th., 1946.


Dear Colin Agnew:

A little while ago I had the pleasure of seeing Frank Houston, and was anxious to know whether he had heard from you.  He told me he had, and that he was glad to be able to say you were well.

My specific purpose in writing today, is to inquire about the Roger VAN DER WEYDEN portrait belonging to John M. Schiff.

We hear so much here about the activity and prices of the London art market, that I hope your answer will be that you are on the verge of selling it for a very high figure.  Should this not be the case, I would like you to tell me whether you have any particular deal in view within the next two or three months.  If I am asking this, it is because I expect to see Mr. Schiff shortly and would like to be posted about the different aspects of this matter before tackling it with him.

I do not want to close this letter without reminding you that I am always interested in certain types of paintings,these days, particularly French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist, but this does not exclude very fine French 18th. Century, Italian, etc.

In fact, do you remember the ROMNEY "Portrait of Capt Milnes" I purchased from you in February 1934?  If youhad a better market for them in London than we have here at present, we perhaps could make this a basis for some trade.  Would you be averse to such a deal?

Looking forward to hearing from you, and with best regards,

Sincerely yours,


(Germain Seligman)


Mr. Colin Agnew,
Thos. Agnew & Sons, Ltd.,
43 Old Bond St.,
London, England.