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OMH/M

January 14th, 1936.

Dear Mr. Goudstikker,

Mr. Germain Séligmann has handed to me your letter of December 23rd, for which we thank you.

Together with your lines, we received data and photographs regarding the two van Gogh paintings about which you had written to us previously. As we are quite anxious to acquire eventually some outstanding works by that artist, we were expecting your letter quite eagerly; however, I hope you will excuse me if I express myself very frankly when I say that I was rather disappointed when I saw the two photographs.

First of all, these two pictures are of the period which is not the really commercial one for the United States; and secondly, the prices asked for these pictures are out of all reason and would only be justified for good examples of the Arles or Saint-Rémy period. But, of course, I realize that you are very well aware of my remarks because you have had in your hands such extraordinary paintings by van Gogh.

What we are looking for are pictures of the quality and of the importance of the one which you sold last summer or of the one which you spoke to me about ("Portrait of the Artist"). If this picture could be had at a reasonable price, we would be very much interested.

We have taken up again with Mr. Séligmann the question of an exhibition of water colors and drawings in Amsterdam, with which we are - as we told you before - quite sympathetic. Do you think that the month of May would be a good time to hold this exhibition? If you will be kind enough to let me have your answer at your earliest convenience, I will make all arrangements, so that you get all the necessary material by the first of May, in order to hold a very interesting show of the 19th century water colors and drawings in your galleries in Amsterdam.

Assuring you of all our appreciation for your extremely kind cooperation,

Please believe me to be

Yours very sincerely,

(César M. de Hauke)

J. Goudstikker, Esq.,
Heerengracht 458,
AMSTERDAM