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BETTY PARSONS GALLERY MODERN PAINTINGS PLAZA 3-3456 15 EAST 57 STREET NEW YORK 22, N. Y. Mr Jackson Pollock Springs, East Hampton, L.I. June 25th, 1951 Dear Jackson: We are pricing "LUCIFER" AT $2,000.00. I agree it is a most beautiful painting , and Mr Ritchie is delighted with it. Now, about your mural commissions outside the gallery. I want, as you know, to be fair, as I am sure you want to be to me. Also, my experience has been that any artist that undertakes his own business, is inevitably taken advantage of. I think you must let me know what is going on. And as for a commission, I have discussed this kind of problem with a number of dealers and they all unanimously agree, as I pay all your expenses, have built you up, as the market is limited, and since I am the only gallery that can show big pictures related to murals, I must take a commission depending on what conditions are. If you cannot give me 15% then give me 10%, if not 10%, 5%. It is up to your integrity as you know. If it is fair that I take no commission I will understand. But, I can only reiterate, you must let me know what your propositions are. As you realize, my financial situation is no better than yours. I am continually in debt. Consequently, I need to be business-like in all these matters. Looking forward to seeing your show in Baltimore. Affectionately, Betty