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Mr FREYBERGER

extra copy made ->

New York, N.Y. 10022

January 24, 1973

Dear Miss Davis;

Mr. Ronald Freyberger has applied to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation for a grant. It gives me much pleasure to write you on his behalf, and may I ask you to consider these lines as a letter of recomendation [[recommendation] towards this application.

I consider him worthy indeed of such a gesture. I have known Mr. Freyberger since 1966, and in fact, under interesting circumstances, which even then showed his knowledge of the work of a French 18th century artist, Jean-Claude DUPLESSIS (d. 1774). We had acquired, for our private collection, a pair of small bronzes, which he was at once able to attribute, correctly, to this artist, who played an important role in decorative arts in France, not only as a designer, but also as a prolific artist in the French decorative achievements of that period. 

It is this artist, who was also a goldsmith and sculptor, working in precious metals, porcelain, bronze and hard stones, that he intends as topic for his dissertation. From the many conversations I have had with Mr. Freyberger in the last few years, here and in Paris, I have realized how truly devoted he is to the whole development of French 18th century decorative arts and this can be further established by the number of articles he has already published.

It is my opinion that at a time when so many facets of French 18th century decorative arts still need a great deal more study, that Mr. Freyberger would no doubt, by his scholarly approach to these problems, and, I would gladly add, the love he shows for works of art of that period, make a significant contribution to knowledge generally, and to art historical scholarship in particular. He has shown himself to be, in independent inquiry and perseverance, a dedicated scholar who should be encouraged. 

From the curriculum vitae he was good enough to supply me with, and which I append to this letter, you will see the degrees he has already received, and some details regarding some of the works hehhas published, which show eloquently his dedication to French 18th century decorative art. In the course of conversations we have had, I have realized how wide a knowledge he has already acquired of this momentous period in art. 

Germain Seligman

Miss Mary M. Davis
Executive Vice President 
Samuel H. Kress Foundation 
221 West 57th Street
New York, N.Y. 10019


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