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Royall Tyler to Robert Woods Bliss, April 12, 1938 [2]

12.IV.38

Dear Robert.

I’ve cabled to you today: “My letter 31 March Fiedler advising owner MadonnaBZ.1938.62. ask 25 please consider and prepare cable instructions on receiving propostion love.”See telegram of April 12, 1938 [1].

I’ve had a note from Fiedler saying that he has given above advice, and asking me to say whether the price of 25000 bucks will be accepted. I’m replying to him that I can’t give him any indication as to that until the object has been offered firm at that price.

I’ve also had a letter from Volbach, who has been to see the relief again. He says that on reexamination he likes it as much as ever, isn’t aware of any disproportions, & doesn’t believe it can be dated later than the XI. I’m really in agreement with him. I forget whether I told you that I was able to examine, in Venice, with the photo. of Prince L’s in my hand, the various Byz. or near-Byz. Madonnas in S. Marco?The orant Virgin sculptures in the church of Saint Mark, Venice, variously located in the north aisle, on the northwest pier of the cupola, and on the west facade. See Otto Demus, The Church of San Marco in Venice: History, Architecture, Sculpture (Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, Trustees for Harvard University, 1960), pls. 36, 37, and 43.Prince L’s easily beats them all, except perhaps for the Madonna delle GrazieVirgin, in the north aisle of the church of Saint Mark, Venice, See Otto Demus, The Church of San Marco in Venice: History, Architecture, Sculpture (Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, Trustees for Harvard University, 1960), pl. 36.—and she may look so good only because she is hung all over with hearts & one can’t see her well. Prince L’s is certainly far finer in style & finer (and more attractive) than the one in S. Marco that’s nearest to her: i.e. the Madonna in the Deesis group, once in Aquileia Cath.,See Otto Demus, The Church of San Marco in Venice: History, Architecture, Sculpture (Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, Trustees for Harvard University, 1960), pl. 32. now embedded in the wall, inside the church, just to the R. as one enters by the southern most of the 3 doors in the narthex—W. end.

I’ve got an appointment with Geoffrey Dodge on Fri. 15th, in Paris, to see something he is anxious to show me, for you.

Much love to you both

R. T.

 
Associated Places: Venice [Venezia] (Italy)
Associated Artworks: BZ.1938.62