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Cook correspondence file


October 24th, 1956

"DESCENT FROM THE CROSS"

Late XVth Century - Country and author unknown

Is or was the property of Princess Virginia (or Victoria) RUSPOLI (sister-in-law of Prince Edmonso Ruspoli)

Her address in Rome being: Via Lisbona 23

It would seem that Prince Edmondo plays a great role in this whole matter.

The painting was seen several years ago at Via Margutta 54 in the studio of the restorers Yandolo brothers. The two brothers Yandolo claim to be agents for the owner. According to information received indirectly from them - the owner would be willing to accept $11,000.- This sum would include their commission but not the export-taxes.

These present negotiations are conducted by Robert Cook, an American sculptor whose studio is at: 51A Via Margutta - a close friend of a close friend of mine - who has been instructed to offer directly to the owner 6,000.000Lire (in other words below $10,000.-) and showing his willingness to pay one half of the commission of the Yandolos plus one half of the export taxes after the amount of the latter will have been accepted by me.

My name has and is not to be mentioned. All negotiations have 
come to a temporary stale-mate on account of payment in full being requested to be made in Italy.

The only concession granted by me so far is that: one half of the export taxes - after approval of the latter amount by me - would be paid to Italy in the hands of the shippers.

The Yandolos claim that they are duly authorized agents but I have no proof of this and they further claim that the painting has of late changed hands and is no longer the property of the former owners. -This I doubt very much.-

Should the present negotiations fail, it would seem necessary after contacting Robert Cook in order to be fully posted about what has transpired to go to the owner - who I believe is still Princess Ruspoli.

To facilitate matters I have so far suggested that the painting should be delivered to Robert Cook in Lugano against his handling over to the representative of the shipper a Bankers Check in Dollars - representing the purchase price. It is obvious however, that if payment could be made upon receipt of the painting in New York it would greatly ease matters