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Sidney Janis Gallery
15 East 57th Street
New York 22, New York

COPY

Madame Ileana Sonnebend
37 Quai des Grands Augustins
Paris 6e, France

Dear Ileana:

We got your letter of September 18th while hanging the Albers show so I am a day or so late in responding.

I hope you had a very nice stay at Venice and now you are at Paris and once again facing reality. I say this with certain levity but I cannot help feeling your suggestions from Venice are slightly touched with, to quote a favored French expression, Fantaisie.

First, Claes has given me a list of some 22 pieces ready as of September 18, 1964 and by his prices which are low, totals considerably more than the amount you indicate.

As to your thought of increasing commission, this we cannot do. You and I agreed upon a 33 1/3% commission to you on the basis of shows originating at New York. Claes' show is at Paris and this alone will save you considerably.

As to guarantee I am willing to compromise; in fact I'm going further than this. We will fix this at $ 500.00 per month for 12 months and at the same time give you European exclusivity for that period of time. Anything below this would merely reflect a certain lack of confidence in Claes' work. 

As for me, I am certain your Oldenburg show will be a great success artistically and financially. We naturally expect that the show will be also seen at London and other capitols abroad as there has been, as you know, several demands in this direction.

We await confirmation of guarantee and commissions. Claes will list lowest prices for you which I have already approved. I understand the show is to open October 21st as discussed with Claes.

With all good wishes,

Yours sincerely,

SIDNEY JANIS GALLEY

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