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New York 22, New York

May 9, 1960

Dear Sherman:

Before leaving for Europe at the end of this week, I called up Bill Wixom in order to inquire whether he had an opportunity of talking to you about my exceptional and truly beautiful

marble high relief by Francesco di SIMONE FERRUCCI

His answer having been in the negative I thought you would not mind my taking it up directly with you for it is my belief that you, too, are greatly impressed with its merit.

You will know how extremely scarce such works of art have become; and as it is hardly credible to be able to find nowadays a marble by Verrocchio, Francesco di Simone is as close a substitute as we can dream of as his relationship to his master is strikingly apparent in this marble.  His Tartagni tomb in the Church of San Domenico in Bologna from which this high relief derives is not only considered the sculptor's masterpiece, but as you know well one of the celebrated monuments. in Italy

My high relief came from one of the best known Viennese collections, and the attributionshas been fully endorsed by the leading art historians.

And last but not least the price which, by the way, I shall have to increase next season were it but to do justice to the quality and scarcity of this sculpture, is indeed a very moderate one for so great a master and so impressive a work of art.

Bill Wixom has the pamphlet established by me should you wish to refresh your memory.

Trusting you will consider this sculpture as a possible purchase for your museum, and with best regards,

Sincerely yours,

Germain Seligman

Mr. Sherman E. Lee, Director
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland 6, Ohio

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