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November 17, 1972

Sir;

A short while ago I acquired from Mr. David Peel a small bronze head,, "Venus", known to you, I understand, and which you would ascribe to TULLIO LOMBARDI. It is a most charming work of art that pleases me much.

Mr. Peel just wrote that you would not mind my getting in touch with you on this topic. I assume that your attribution is based on the comparison with similar heads, reproduced in "Die Italienischen Bronzestatuetten der Renaissance" by Bode, and in "Venezianische Bildhauer der Renaissance" by Planiscig. 

I can well see this relationship but as the attribution of bronzes is still at times a very discussed matter, it would be particularly agreeable to learn that you maintain the opinion you conveyed to Mr. Peel.

May I be so bold as to impose further on your time and courtesy in inquiring whether you would endorse the attribution to RICCIO of the monumental bronze, the Fire-Blower, to be sold at Christie's
(December 5th, Weininger Collection).
Was he not the only artist to have carried out such fantastic bronzes?

I am well posted about your most interesting monograph on European Bronze Statuettes" as well as your work on the bronzes of the Frick Collection - a field of art I realize you are well acquainted with 1hence the value of your opinion.

Thanking you in advance for your kind answer,

Yours very sincerely,

Germain Seligman

Anthony F. Radcliffe, Esq.
Assistant to the Director
Victoria & Albert Museum
South Kensington
London S.W.7, ENGLAND

TP