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Mr. Germain Séligmann:     March 8th, 1935.

- Page Three-

(Baron Vitta Sale)

and which was sold last year. If we had money, I would certainly be 100% for the purchase of this picture for between Frs.[[strikethrough]]5[[/strikethrough]]40,000. and Frs.[[strikethrough]]8[[/strikethrough]]70,000. Any museum could be proud to have this picture. It is a fine Ingres, and not in the price class of the portraits - but as I felt that you might not be willing to buy this picture right now, I have told Clyfford to get in touch immediately with GRENVILLE WINTHROP and to talk to him about this picture - and about the RODIN drawing #12. Indeed, if he doesn't do that, I am sure Birnbaum will do it.

I think that the only way to build up again a certain personal interest with Winthrop is to do that kind of thing. The sum of money that this man can spend in this auction is not sufficiently important to bear any serious reflection on his buying capacities with our firm. Clyfford was enthusiastic at the idea. I told him to tell Winthrop that he would have to consider at least $5,000. for #5, and to try to obtain from him an order at a higher price.

Therefore, if we get the order from Winthrop we shall cable to you and you will buy the picture under your name.

- #6 I find very tasteless; as well as #7. But they are also the type of thing which might appeal to Winthrop.

- I am sorry to say that I see nothing in #8 - it bores me terrifically.

[[left margin]] We did NOT make out so badly with water colors - drawings in the last 12 months XX 
[[/left margin]]

- Now, I am coming to a thing which is very dear to my heart and about which I am extremely excited. I have cabled you, begging you to buy this drawing. It is a great work - and as long as we cannot have paintings of that quality let us continue to build up a reputation with drawings of that kind, especially as long as we do not invest much money, and it does not deprive us of large funds susceptible to be invested in pictures. 

If you do not want to buy this RODIN drawing - #12 - for the firm, and if you want to buy it for my account, I will gladly accept it. I have absolutely no money right now, but I could put up some shares or other assets in guarantee of re-imbursement for this drawing.

Now, regarding this drawing, which is as you know, reproduced in the catalogue, I feel convinced that Grenville Winthrop will be very much interested in it because as you know, he owns the bronze by Rodin. Furthermore, it is exactly his type of drawing. 

I feel, in view of the above lines, that Winthrop will probably ask many questions of Clyfford regarding this drawing, and that he will want to put a bid in for it. But, as I want you to buy

(it - up to or around) .............

Transcription Notes:
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