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[[preprinted]] 
COMMONWEALTH 2132
CABLE: CASTANO

GIOVANNI CASTANO
171 NEWBURY STREET
BOSTON, MASS.

PAINTINGS 
[[/preprinted]]

April 5, 1938

Mr. Germain Seligmann
Jacques Seligmann & Co., Inc.
3 East 51st Street
New York City

Dear Mr. Seligmann:

I think there is a possible chance of selling the painting of the "Milinery Shop" by Degas that you have on hand. We would have to work fast in order to do it, but I have spoken of it to someone who seems to be very much interested in the painting.

 When I saw it in your galleries, I felt there would be a chance to sell it, but your Mr. Levy told me then it was under consideration. I don't think there is a chance of its being sold at $30,000., which I believe is the price quoted me; but I do believe that if you could make this price considerable less, I could sell it before the people go away. I could not do it without the painting being here in Boston.

 Naturally you have shown this picture to everyone I know, so I could not sell it from the photograph. Since you probably have offered it to the Museum and to the directors of the Museum, the price is known.

If you could let me have the picture for ten days, I think I would be able to sell it as I already have one interest in it. If you feel you want to do this, I shall be very glad to try it. It means that I shall probably have to take a trip out West, but I am willing to shoulder that expense now because I feel I will be able to sell it.

I want to tell you that there seems to be a great interest by the Fogg Art Museum on the Catena. If they come to you, kindly protect me on it. However, I believe they will let me know about it. If they do, you will probably have to send the picture back to me.

Things are certainly slow and business is very hard to get these days. As Monsignore was called out of town, I have not been able to speak to him for the Cardinal about the thing I talked to you about. As soon as there is something doing on it, I will let you know.