Viewing page 12 of 41

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

RS: R

October 22nd, 1938

Dear Mr. Ford:

We have at the moment a picture of such exceptional quality and importance that I thought of sending you a photograph of it, thinking that you would like to know about it either for yourself or for the Museum.

This painting, the work of the rare and celebrated artist, Hans Memling, is of the quality of those in Bruges. 

It came originally from the Pallavinci Collection and was bought years ago by Mr. Mortimer L. Schiff, I understand, from Duveen Bros. and at a price substantially higher that it is today.

It measures 28-1/2 inches high by 19-1/2 inches wide and is undoubtedly one of the most important Flemish Primitives which has been on the market in a number of years. It was published by Paul Ganz, and also published and reproduced by Dr. Friedlander in "Die Altniederlandische Malerei". Dr. Friedlander refers to it as an early work by the master while he was still under the influence of Roger van der Weyden. 

The photograph which shows the charming expression of the Virgin and the lovely composition of the foreground as well as the landscape does not render the beautiful ruby red of the Virgin's dress and the sapphire blue of her coat. 

I hope these lines will find Mrs. Ford and yourself in good health, and hoping to have an opportunity of showing you this picture as well as our 19th century pictures in New York in the near future,

Kindly believe me

Sincerely yours, 

(Rene Seligmann)

Edsel B. Ford, Esq.
1100 Lake Shore Drive
Detroit, Michigan

GS