Viewing page 72 of 124

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

New York 22

November 10, 1962

Dear Mr. Pope-Hennessy:

These few lines are essentially to express the hope that you are coming to the U.S. in the course of this season. 

Besides the pleasure I would have in seeing you, I would like to have the opportunity of showing you a small, very small, marble sculpture I have just purchased and which I truly consider thrilling. I would gladly, of course, send you a photograph, were it not for the fact that in spite of my efforts to obtain an excellent one, none really gives an idea of its merit. 

However, in connection with this, I would like to know whether your Museum has ever published a handbook with reproductions of early XVth Century North European sculptures. I have been unable to locate any in New York. Were one to exist, would you consider it an imposition to instruct your secretary to forward a copy to me with the bill? This request is caused by the uniqueness, it would seem, of my small marble.

Having this opportunity of writing, may I also inquire whether in the course of your stay in Italy last summer, you had an opportunity of "detecting" the marbles I alluded to, when we lunched together in London.....? They are mysterious, I gather, but they do exist, I am told.

I had hoped to be able to join you in Florence where you said you would remain until the end of August, but unfortunately my plans were shattered for several reasons and by various circumstances. 

I do hope I shall see you soon here, and meanwhile with personal regards,
Sincerely yours,
Germain Seligman

J.W. Pope-Hennessy, Esq. 
Keeper of the Dept. of 
Architecture & Sculpture
Victoria & Albert Museum
South Kensington
London S.W.7, England

Mus Victoria & Albert Mus
London