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May 1st, 1969

Dear Mr. Cummings:

It was pleasant indeed to have spoken to you this morning and I was glad to learn that the painting by J.B. DESHAYS - "The Plague at Athens" - at present on exhibition at Ann Arbor, had held your attention. It had been especially chosen by Paul Grigaut who had been much impressed by its esthetic merit and the role it plays in the evolution of art.

Also testifying to the quality is the fact - as I told you over the telephone - that in the collection it stems from it was considered as being by FRAGONARD, in view of its bold treatment and the richness of its chromatic scale.

In the pamphlet which I am happy to forward herein you will find the convincing elements for the attribution to DESHAYS, from the studies made by Mr. Marc SANDOZ, and by comparing it with several of the artist's works showing his characteristic composition in tiers. Deshays was much admired by his contemporaries and Diderot highly praised his talent.

Quoting Robert ROSENBLUM's definitions, in my opinion, it would come under the heading "romantic classicism".

You will also notice its remarkable state of preservation, for it is still on its original canvas - not relined - and stretcher.

The selling price of the painting, you will recall, is $8,000
(ETIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS).

Looking forward to hearing further from you, and with best personal regards,

Sincerely yours,

Germain Seligman

Mr. Frederick J. Cummings
Assistant Director
The Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48202

OP

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