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November 20, 1959

Dear Mr. Bier,

The catalogue of Sotheby's auction of December 8 has just reached me and I am sorry indeed not to be able to attend this sale as off hand, judging from the  catalogue, there are quite a number of items which I think would interest me.

This, I am afraid is going to give you a great deal of trouble and I do hope you will not mind my taking up your time.

Before proceeding, I want you to realize that this is all based, perforce, on the catalogue descriptions, and that the interest I am showing in some of the items might be completely erroneous, qualitatively speaking, and on the other hand, other items of greater merit might escape me, and I am counting upon you to call my attention to them.

#75. Limoges, I am afraid that the border is very much restored? Furthermore, the shiny parts à paillons should all be vivid and transparent. Are they?

#87. German Eagle.-I would like a photograph of it.

#93.-Hercules. - The cast does not seem to be up to the quality I would expect, i.e. the hair and beard does not seem sufficiently deep, and the nails of the hands and feet again should be clearly marked. Is it so?

#94. Nude woman and #96.Statuette of a Saint.-Of these two, I would like photographs.

#103.Marble Madonna and Child.- The description would lead me to believe that it might be quite late. If you consider it of quality, do let me have a photograph of it.

#104. Silver Bust.- What is your opinion? It could have been made from a marble on which the silver could have been applied, as would have been done with a plaster?

#105 Pieta Group. Please a photograph.

#107.Bronze Bust. I know well, for it belonged to me once upon a time, and I might wish to buy it back, were it not too expensive.

#112. Limoges Christ.- If you consider it good, please send a photograph.

#131. Cupid and #132. Pair of Turkeys.- I would like to  have photographs of.^[[both - ]]
#132 particularly intrigues me much.