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March 31, 1948

Dear Mr. Eissler:

Thank you so much for your letter of March 24, 1948. I am returning to you herein the photographs of the carpet and the bronze. 

I am very much interested to read that you plan to make a trip to Austria. I hope that you will be able to recover some of your paintings and that I will hear from you on the subject.

I take note that you have lowered the price of the "Senator" to $8,400._. I am sorry that you did not take my advice because you make things very difficult for us, you and us. As I wrote to you, there are other paintings, especially portraits, by this artist offered on the New York market, and let me tell you my latest experience.

I went to a friendly dealer who has a Tintoretto of the similar subject and size with a little landscape in the background hanging on his wall. I asked him for the price; his answer was $7,500._ and said "Do not make me a offer because I would accept any price".

Our "Senator" I mean yours, is in a slightly better condition than his, but as you know has no landscape in the background. I do not want you to feel depressed about what I am writing to you, but it is useless for us to consider that we can accomplish miracles. You know that I will do my best for you, but on the other hand, if we want to transform that painting into money, we have to deal with the realities of the market.

In conclusion, if I can transmit to you an offer which would be reasonable, I will be glad to do so, and on your side, I would urge you not to reject it without mature consideration.

With my best wishes,
Your very truly,
JACQUES SELIGMANN & CO., INC.

(Georges E. Seligmann)