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Royall Tyler to Mildred Barnes Bliss, undated [3] (before April 19, 1912)

19 du 4 12Postmark. Friday.

Paris

Madame Robert Woods Bliss

Hôtel Bristol

Place Vendôme

Friday.

Dear Mildred.

Three thoroughly competent persons have seen the stylish one, and all agree with the first opinion, and say further that it would be rash to have the varnish taken off without relining the canvas.This painting of a “Madonna” (see also letter of January 4, 1913) is unknown. It possibly is a “Gothic Virgin,” about which Mildred Barnes Bliss wrote her stepfather in 1913: “the little Gothic Virgin we bought five years ago has come on from Brussels and we have decided to our dismay that she is [an] unadulterated fake: the final judgment has yet to be passed, but I have a shrewd suspicion that she spells the price of our initiation.” Mildred Bliss to William H. Bliss, February 11, 1913, Blissiana files, William Henry Bliss correspondence. The present location of this Madonna is unknown.

There is a good man who works for the Louvre who’d do it. It’s a longish business, not less than 6 weeks. So perhaps it would be well to decide now whether you want it done. The expense would not be more—I would say—than 300 fr. Just tell Robert to tell me. Demotte has bought the most glorious French tapestryThe tapestry is possibly Woman in Court Dress (HC.T.1912.03.[T]) which Mildred Barnes Bliss and Robert Woods Bliss acquired from Georges Demotte on June 3, 1912. But this tapestry measures 5.50 x 7.25 ft. and not 8 x 12 ft., as indicated by Royall Tyler. of about 1450—not later—even finer than the series at Cluny,Possibly “The Lady and the Unicorn” tapestries at the Musée de Cluny, Paris. though much smaller—measuring about 8 x 12 ft. Good journeyMildred Barnes Bliss left for a ten-day stay in the United States on April 20, 1912. and quick return, dear Mildred.

Yours sincerely

Royall Tyler

 
Associated People: Georges Demotte
Associated Places: Paris (France)
Associated Artworks: HC.T.1912.03.(T)