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September 18th, 1941

Dear Cole:

I am sending you these lines on a matter which I consider an unusual opportunity and which I thought would interest you as far as master and subject are concerned.

We have be charged by The Museum of Modern Art to dispose of their extremely fine and most attractive portrait of a young Tahitian man by Gauguin which was formerly in the celebrated Lillie P. Bliss Collection. This picture was originally bought by the painter, Henri Matisse in 1898 and sold by him in 1915 to John Quinn from where it went into the Bliss Collection which, as you probably know, was bequeathed to The Museum of Modern Art. This institution now wishes to dispose of the painting as they desire to buy a more recent work of art which will fit better into the scheme of their collection.

The price which the Museum has placed on the painting is so reasonable that I, in this particular case acting more in an advisory capacity than on the selling end, would recommend it as an excellent capital investment, disregarding completely its attractiveness and charm.

I shall have the Gauguin here at the gallery next week and would  be very glad to have you pass by here one afternoon - except on Monday when we are closed - to have you see it and to talk to you more about it.

Would you also kindly mention my letter to your wife as she always enjoys beautiful things and I would very much like her to see it.

Hoping you had an enjoyable summer in California and that my lines find you in the best of health, I meanwhile remain - with many kind personal regards,

Sincerely,

(R. H. Waegen)

Cole Porter, Esq.
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
50th Street and Park Avenue
New York, New York

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