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[[preprinted]]
Herbert N. Bier
PAINTINGS
WORKS OF ART
2, STRATHEARN PLACE, HYDE PARK SQUARE, LONDON, W.2
TELEPHONE: 01-723 9522
CABLES: BIERART, LONDON, W.2
[[/preprinted]]

15th October 1969

Mr. Germain Seligman,
5 East 57th Street, 
New York, NY 10022,
U.S.A.

Dear Germain,

I thank you for your letter of the 29th September. We would have loved to see you both in Gstaad, unfortunately this would only have been possible had we had a helicopter at our disposal. We had a most pleasant summer holiday, first in Zermatt, followed by Venice and Locarno.

Mr. Symes was not known to me but I have seen him frequently at sales. He has a very nice place near the Victoria and Albert Museum and some very fine objects of various periods. The marble head, it is marble, I have seen before. It was at a sale some time ago and it already puzzled me then. I think it is a genuine piece of very good quality; but not only to me, but also Pope Hennessy, the location of its origin remains hidden. I understand that Pope Hennessy was at first very much interested in the object, but since he could not place it decided to abstain from its purchase for the Museum. This information I obtained from Mr. Symes.  The back is'in the round'.

I cannot see the connection with Jacopo della Quercia and believe that the piece is later. I thought of Northern Italy, perhaps Milan or thereabouts. The price which Mr. Symes asked is £2,400. Please let me know whether you intend following up this matter in principle.

With best regards to Ethlyne and you,

Yours 

[[signed]]Herbert[[/signed]]