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November 18, 1953

Dear Cesar: 

You will be surprised to receive these lines from me, as it is so long since I last saw you, and I am sorry that the purpose of this note should be caused by rather distressing news. 

You will recall that you sold to Mrs. Danforth (in 1937) a small painting by Cezanne representing eight apples on a chair, which was in very delicate hues of blue and green. 

This painting had been consigned to us by Madame Paul Guillaume and as the correspondance reveals it is only after repeated efforts on your part that Mrs. Danforth decided to purchase it. 

The point is that a couple of days aho I received a letter from the director of the Providence Museum, advising me that this painting had been doubted by several connoisseurs. Mr. John Maxon, the director, is already aware of all the facts in connection with this transaction. He also advises me that he will consult John Rewald, and that he is writing to Lionello Venturi, as he is under the impression that the latter knew the painting before he published his catalogue, in which it is not reproduced. 

I have also written to Professor Venturi, as I am under the impression that contrary to the above he gave you a certificate about it, or that Madame Paul Guillaume had supplied you with one.

I find no trace of this however in the firm's files, but so many of these having gone astray I cannot be certain about it.

Your memory is probably better than mine, and you may recall the facts. Aside from any financial question, our reputations, yours and mine, being at stake, you will certainly agree with me that it is a most embarrassing situation to be put in. 

You wrote at the time to Mrs. Danforth that it came from the "collection of the artist", probably not wishing to divulge the name of Madame Paul Guillaume, who was then a competitor, but this indication, I feel certain, must have been given to you by Madame Guillaume, as I do not think you would have made it up, hence my suggestion that you ask directly Mrs. Jean Walter whether she could confirm this pedigree or/and indicate any other information she would have in connection with this painting. If I am asking you to do this it is because,you certainly agree with me, it would be easier to do so in

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[handwritten on right-hand margin]] de Hauke [[/handwritten on right-hand margin]]

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