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January 26, 1959

Dear Anthony Clark:

Your so very kind card of January 9th arrived when I was just about to go to the airport for a short trip to Europe. Hence the delay in taking advantage of your offer of being of help for which I am most grateful.

My first thought is to ask whether you were successful in obtaining a photograph of the Odazzi ceiling in Rome which was the key to your attribution of my watercolor. A remarkable achievement in fact this was, for which I believe I have not yet properly congratulated you and thanked you. It is truly praiseworthy that you should have been able, in so short a time, to establish this link when so many other specialists in the field were still wondering.

I know only too well how difficult it is to procure prints of some of the most precious works of art in Rome. I would not be surprised, therefore, to hear that you are still waiting for one. It goes without saying that whatever expenses you have had and will have in connection with this identification, you will let me hear about.

The other point in my mind is to ask whether you feel that, in view of the studies you made regarding the Canova Exhibition, you would be able to identify his signature. It appears on a marble that was shown me last spring in Paris, and though I have no reason to doubt its correctness, I realize, on the other hand, that I am not sufficiently acquainted with his work to have a personal opinion.

According to your answer I shall send you a reproduction of it or drop the matter for the time being, the more so as it is not of particular moment. 

I only had a glimpse of you the other day when you dropped in with John Maxon but I do hope that in the not too distant future you will give me an opportunity of seeing more of you, and that we shall be able to arrange to have you come at home for a "drink".

Meanwhile with kind thoughts and renewed appreciation, 

Yours sincerely, 

Germain Seligman

Mr. Anthony M. Clark, Secretary
Museum of Art
Rhode Island School of Design
Providence 3, Rhode Island

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