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NEW YORK 22, NEW YORK

November 16, 1965

Dear Bill:

Your pleasant special delivery letter of November 13 reached me this morning. Realizing that you were anxious to have an answer I wired you to the Hotel Muehlebach, Kansas City, as follows:

I DO UNDERSTAND YOUR COMMITTEES ATTITUDE AND THEREFORE ACCEPT YOUR OFFER TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AS KNOW HOW ANXIOUS YOU ARE TO HAVE MOREAU STOP HOPE COMMITTEE WILL REALIZE YOUR EFFORTS HAVE OBTAINED PAINTING AT PRICE CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN PREVAILING MARKET CONDITION STOP HOWEVER AM VERY HAPPY PAINTING REMAINING WITH YOU KINDEST REGARDS

Ever since I had sent "Orpheus", by Gustave MOREAU, on approval to your Museum last year I have been aware that the selling price then quoted was far below the current market valuations - hence its increase to a figure much more in keeping with present conditions.

However, I can well understand the attitude of your committee which is probably not cognizant of such imponderables. But may I repeat that had it not been for your efforts, in all frankness, I would not have accepted the proposition you transmitted.

Nevertheless, let me say anew that I am very happy to know that the painting will remain in your Museum's collection and hope that it will be enjoyed and appreciated by all who will see it.

Invoice will follow anon.

With kindest regards, 

Sincerely, 

Germain Seligman

Mr. William N. Eisendrath, Jr.
Curator
Department of Art
Steinberg Hall
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri 63130

Transcription Notes:
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