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Royall Tyler to Mildred Barnes Bliss, June 13, 1938

New York, N.Y., 13.VI.38

I’ve given CatherineThe Blisses’s maid in New York. the message about the trunks, dearest Mildred. I hasten to produce something I have remembered, in order to retrieve my reputation after having forgotten a lot of folders in my room at the Oaks and burdened poor Robert with them.

What a good fortnight that was—but how fast it went! Now, all the things that I wanted to talk about come crowding. Come to N.Y. soon, please—remember that the 19th is a Sunday. Couldn’t you arrive that morning?

Please think over with Robert a) Dodge-LandauNicolas Landau (1887–1979), an antiquities dealer known as “Le prince des antiquaires.” Born in Varsovia, he studied law in Paris before becoming an antiquities dealer in New York and then in Paris, where he had a business on the rue de Duras. ivory:BZ.1939.8. I’m strongly of opinion that if a price in reasonable limits can be agreed (reasonable in view of Marquet’s rejection) it would be worth while to get the ivory over on approval, and then turn the lamp onto it—and show it to any one you think proper. If it is right, as I believe, it is one of the most important Byz. ivories known. This may be one of those rare opportunities, when something of the highest order goes begging because its authenticity has been doubted.

b) Prince L’s 3 sculptures—the 2-stag slab,Stags and vase relief, probably marble. See Gerd-H. Zuchold, Der “Klosterhof” des Prinzen Karl von Preussen im Park von Schloss Glienicke in Berlin (Berlin: Gebr. Mann Verlag, 1993), 1: pl. 122 and 2:148, no. 130. the 2 fragments of hare eating grapes,Two fragments of a relief, possibly marble, Klosterhof, Schloss Glienicke, Berlin. These are not catalogued in Gerd-H. Zuchold, Der “Klosterhof” des Prinzen Karl von Preussen im Park von Schloss Glienicke in Berlin (Berlin: Gebr. Mann Verlag, 1993). and the upright tree with crossed birds.Tree of Life and three pairs of animals and birds, third quarter twelfth century, marble, Schloss Glienicke, Potsdam-Berlin. See Gerd-H. Zuchold, Der “Klosterhof” des Prinzen Karl von Preussen im Park von Schloss Glienicke in Berlin (Berlin: Gebr. Mann Verlag, 1993), 1: pl. 59b and 2:73, no. 52. I think an attempt should be made to secure them. And if you agree, I’d like to have indications, before leaving, as to price. And of course I’ll do my best to get any particulars known to the family about MadBZ.1938.62. and Emp.BZ.1937.23.

Hayford will be hugely pleased when he hears that MADBZ.1938.62. has descended upon the Oaks.

Fondest love and blessings, dearest Mildred.

R. T.

I’ll keep Sunday free till I hear from you. And Mon. 20 and Tues. 21 and Wed. 22 morn likewise.

 
Associated Artworks: BZ.1937.23; BZ.1938.62; BZ.1939.8