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468 

April 15 Rome.

the Congress for Cultural Freedom, including 44 painters from Belgium, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Switzerland & the United States. Andrew Ritchie of U.S. selected the American group & Jean Casson, the French. U.S. painters were, Richard Diebenkorn, Seymour Drumlevitch, Joseph Glasco, John Hultberg, Irving Kriesberg & Theodore [[Stanon?]]. Of them Diebenkorn's work was outstanding. Powerful & organized with good color. '[[Drunborth?]], Competition, high colored cubism.'

The most exciting painter in the entire show was English Alan Davie born 1920 in Scotland.

His 1953 canvas - 'The Blue Triangle Enters' is reproduced in the catalogue. However, his canvas of 1950 - 'Altar on The Blue Diamond', is a greater achievement, & won my admiration.



469.

Friday April 15 Rome.

Lunched at my hotel & Jan came over at 2 o'clock for a tour again about the city. This time to San Pietro to see Michel-Angelos' figure of Moses & the church. Back to the Colosseum & Basilica of St. Paul. Drove then to Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Stairs) -Banked with rose & white flowers up to the top - charming sight in the city.

In Nazareth or other old ports of Israel one remembered the past - history was a living reality. In Italy, it has been carried into the present. One is conscious of the historical time. With this overflowing abundance of the rococo & baroque, I now understand fully the return in art to the oldest sources, to the prehistoric & arabian influences. For the first time I now comprehend and appreciate the early art. It has greater spiritual quality, simplicity, strength & beauty. I only now realize it.

For example, in the midst of the splendors in the Vatican Museums & galleries - I found most interesting