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May 1st., 1941.

Dear Major Bowes:

Supplementing our conversation of  yesterday evening, I would like to give you a short description of the "picture" - which is really a big [[underlined]] Crucifix [[/underlined]] 6'5" high by 5'6" wide. It shows a dramatic Crucifixion with the figure of Christ depicted on the cross against a gold background. On the right arm of the cross, the figure of St. John, and on the left, the Virgin Mary. At the foot is Mary Magdalene.

It is by [[underlined]] Francesco di VANNUCCIO, [[/underlined]] Sienese master who was active between 1361 and 1388. It is superb in quality, and superb in preservation!

I think it would be beautiful in the Cathedral, and because of its size it would be magnificent either on the main altar or in the Chapel of the Holy Blood, as the Crucifixion shows the blood of the Savior streaming out of his pierced side.

May I also draw your attention to the fact that the architects of the Cathedral have styled the building in the period of this painting, so that the latter would add to the beauty of the interior - some of the churches in Italy have the good fortune of still having their painted crucifixes.

I don't want to any more, not even as to the pedigree which is excellent, as it comes from a palace in Florence, nor about its biography - the foremost critic on art of the period knows this painting.

I am naturally at your disposal to send you a photograph, or, which would I believe to be much better, to show you the picture itself.

Hoping to have soon the pleasure of meeting you again,

Sincerely yours,

Captain
(Georges E. Seligmann)

Major Edward Bowes,
1639 Broadway,
New York, N.Y.