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January 25th, 1933.

My dear Dr. Valentiner,

You will probably remember having seen some time ago at our galleries a picture by JOOS VAN CLEEF, representing a Madonna and Child - the Child holding two cherries and the Madonna seated on a throne; behind her is a drapery painted in a very vivid green color against the black background.

We have shown this picture to one of our clients who would like a certificate for the picture. We have a certificate for it by Dr. Ludwig Baldass, of which I am sending you herewith a copy, but our client had never heard of Dr. Baldass and as he seemed a bit hesitant, we suggested your name as the man who knew the most about this school. He was perfectly satisfied with that suggestion, providing you knew of the picture, and would not judge it only from the photograph.

When you see the herewith enclosed photograph, there is no doubt to my mind that you will remember the picture. It is very unfortunate that at the time we did not think of asking you for a certificate, as we have so often done, but this is how the matter stands now.

If you remember the picture, will you be kind enough to state on the back of the photograph that you have seen it some time ago while we had it in Europe, and that you consider it a work of Joos Van Cleef of this Italian period, if it is you opinion, as I suppose. The picture is in outstandingly fine condition and measures 26-1/4" X 19-3/4".

I am aware that the subject was a very popular one at the time and that many different versions of it exist, but I really consider ours as one of the very finest of them.

I hear we are going to have the pleasure of seeing you in March, when I hope we will have an opportunity to thank you verbally for anything you will have done in this matter. In the meantime,

Believe me

Yours sincerely,

Dr. W. R. Valentiner,
Corneliusstrasse, 1,
BERLIN - Langwitz,
Germany.

Transcription Notes:
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