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page two - July 24, 1972


allowable funds - and I am always conscious of my very limited funds compared to your big collectors.

The reason I am writing this now is, I just discovered your book, "Merchants of Art", last week and I must tell you how enjoyable it was. Mrs. Lurie had stopped by to see my little collection and chuckled when I told her I found you r book so exciting that I couldn't sit still to read it -- I had to get up every few minutes and walk off the nervous energy it stimulated .I  consider your life - surrounded by the beautiful works of art and the fascinating and powerful people, to be the ultimate. This was intensified by the frequent discussion of those exact types of things that are most meaningful to me.

For instance, you mentioned (on page 197) "who could doubt...the value of the remarkable Flemish paintings of Emile Renders.". My most recent acquisition was the small portrait by School of Quentin Metsys from the Renders Collection. I am very proud of it since it was the culmination of a five year search for a high quality Flemish portrait within my narrow budget.

Mr. Seligman, I hope to be able to get to New York again in September for a few days, and would be honored if you could grant a fairly substantial amount of time to showing me your things and in getting acquainted.

I know that the very fine pieces have become so scarce, but I am sure with your contacts and background you still have the best. My taste is rather broad - it is easier to say what I don't like rather than what I do.

There is little doubt though that it is the refinement and precision of the sixteenth century that appeals most to me. I have some fine drawings, a good CASSONE, my new portrait - these are my favorite things. I am interested in seeing: a fine boxwood carving; an early Italian panel painting, particularly of a procession or panorama; a very small tapestry, preferable Flemish, not overly ornate; Gothic sculpture - the list is endless and there is no point in being overly specific because all these things are so rare,

I look forward to talking with you at greater length in late August or early September (I hope your gallery is not closed in August). If nothing else, I believe you will find my interest and enthusiasm refreshing.

Sincerely, 

          THOMAS P. TOTH
          12900 Lake Avenue
          Cleveland, Ohio 44107
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I am enclosing a photostat of the first page of Mr. Toth's letter (it ran to five pages) to convey a better impression of it. A card has been made for Mr. Toth, and he is on the list of matters to be taken up in September.

Hoping Mrs. Seligman and you are well,

                                      [Signature]