Viewing page 27 of 68

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

(22)

February 10th., 1945.

Dear Mr. Block:

It was very pleasant to receive your few lines acknowledging my wire, and I think that as long as I called your attention to the painting, you will be interested to know that it is now under serious consideration by a museum.

May I correct a misapprehension which you seem to be when you write that this PICASSO was [[underlined]] offered [[/underlined]] to you several weeks ago by another New York dealer, as the latter - whoever he was - had no right to do so? I had an option to buy it from the moment it was made available by the Providence museum, which I took advantage of as soon as the deal could be concluded - in December last - and being the sole owner, any dealer who offered it would have been in rather a difficult position had he been asked to "deliver" the painting. Anyway, that is really of little importance, but I just wanted to clarify the point.

I heard recently - - I know of course, there are a great many unfounded rumors going around - that you had bought some important paintings, and do hope that when Mrs. Block and you will next be in our city you will also give me an opportunity to be represented in your collection.

Should Mrs. Block remember me, as it is, I am very sorry to say, a good many years since I have had the pleasure of seeing her, will you be good enough to convey my respects, and, with personal regards,

Sincerely yours,

(Germain Seligman)

Mr. Leigh B. Block,
1260 Astor St.,
Chicago, Ill.