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Francis J.B. Watson, Esq.  -2-  November 10, 1959

do I recall having seen this work of art - one I am convinced I would remember even though it would be practically half a century ago.  There is but on entry in the inventory which could be it - reading "Statue, grandeur nature, en marbre blanc, 'Baigneuse Assise'".  But you will agree that the description hardly fits the case.  Now, could it not have been sold at the auction of 1904 where we find - though I doubt it- "Deux statues en marbre blanc, 'Flore et Amphitrite', hauteur 1M 47",Xwhich brought 10,000 Francs purchased by Villandry.  But were not private sales made by Scott such as - to Duveen - of the "Baigneuse" by Houdon now at the Metropolitan Museum; and could not the Pigalle have followed the same fate?  Though my negative answer will not be of much help, it might perhaps clear another path. 

As to your great BOUCHER paintings, I am distressed to think that I can be of no help whatsoever.  In fact, I had gathered from the Hartford House Catalogue and from information gathered here and there, that you had been able to establish a very clear pedigree referring to them;  hence my hope that among your documents you would have had the key to the provenance of mine now in the Metropolitan Museum.  I am glad to now in this respect that you are bearing it in mind and that you will examine it when you are next in this country.  At a tie when efforts are being made to gather under the banner of Francois Boucher paintings of definitely little merit with the pretense that they are early works by the artist, it seems difficult for me to believe that an impartial judgment could come to the conclusion that my great "Birth and Triumph of Venus" is not by the hand of the master.

Last but not least, your good letter brought about the news of your planned visit to [[strikethrough]] y [[/strikethrough]] our shores next year; and though I expect to have the pleasure of seeing you in the meantime in London, I want you to know how much I am looking forward to your visit here. 

With renewed thanks and with kind regards to Mrs. Watson and to you in which Mrs. Seligman joins me, 

Sincerely yours, 

Germain Seligman

Francis J.B. Watson, Esq.
The Wallace Collection
Manchester Square
London W 1, England

x  1,47 metre