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New York, New York 10022

January 10, 1975

Dear Mr. Randall,

First, let me thank you for your charming welcome, it was indeed a pleasure seeing you again after so many years.

Mrs. Seligman and I were truly overwhelmed with the importance and beauty of the collection, being greatly impressed with the remarkable scientific as well as careful manner, and with what taste, these precious items were displayed.

I realize how much time and thought you must have given towards placing so many of these very delicate works of art to their best advantage. It is obvious in countless details, such as for instance being able to admire the tapestries from the balcony while faced also by the four bronze Evangelists. Until yesterday I had been under the impression that I was well-acquainted with this remarkable ensemble, but I realized quickly how limited was my knowledge, and if of course, I remembered "old friends", there were so many which I did not expect to find.

Among those I was particularly happy to become acquainted with is the exquisite small, round Virgin and Child, Franco-Burgundian ?, you had recently acquired and of which I had only seen the reproduction in your bulletin. I am also wondering whether the great Bassano and Tiepolol were ever shown in the past ? What splendid and impressive paintings they are.

Pages I could write about this visit, but just allow me to say that you have evidently succeeded in carrying out Henry Walters' dream, for I remember so well, when expressing my surprise at the number of cases which remained unopened in the cellar, he simply answered that he left them to posterity to enjoy, and how true it is.

It would have been an imposition, I felt, to have called on you again before leaving, and thus with these lines I do want to repeat how awed and moved I am with your achievements. My wife wishes to join me in conveying our very best regards.

Germain Seligman

Mr. Richard H. Randall, Jr.
Director, The Walters Art Gallery
Charles and Centre Streets, Baltimore, Maryland 21201

TP

Transcription Notes:
Not sure what the mark at the bottom left is - it's TP for Theresa Parker, one of Germain's staff members