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February 17th., 1948

Dear Dick:

It was most pleasant indeed to have heard of you today through the visit of Mrs. Leo Pflaum, for which, in fact, I thank you. 

Not only did I find here most attractive and charming to look at, but also a person showing an extremely vivid interest and understanding of art. 

I showed her a great many drawings and watercolors, perhaps too many, and as you know my leanings, I spent quite some time on Leger, as well as on La Fresnaye, the latter being of course very little known to her.

Time lacking, I could not show her any Seurat drawings, and you can understand how disappointed I was not to be able to do so. I really feel that she, with your help and advice, should develope as a true “amateur”. However, I could not discover why she seemed to be so set on watercolors and against drawings, but you will succeed no doubt in changing this.

I am also glad to have this opportunity to congratulate you on the purchase of the Matisse drawing, which I just read about in your Bulletin, for it must be due to your definite influence. It is indeed representative of such a very interesting period of this artist, and a beautiful example. 

When we last corresponded you were coming East around Christmas, and then through Curt Valentin's office I was told you would postponed it to February, but this month is almost over, and if you want to make good your promise, you have little time left, and I do hope that you will not disappoint us again. 

Trusting you are well, and looking forward to hearing soon from you, 

with kindest thoughts,

Sincerely,

(Germain Seligman)

Richard S. Davis, Esq.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Minneapolis, Minnesota