Letter from Charles Carstairs to Henry Clay Frick, 8 November 1895

CHANGEMENT D'ADRESSE á NEW-YORK
au 1er Mai 1895
355, FIFTH AVENUE
CORNER 34TH ST.
M. KNOEDLER & Co
170, FIFTH AVENUE
COR, 22ND ST, NEW YORK
CABLE ADDRESSES:
KNOEDLER PARIS
KNOEDLER, NEW-YORK
OFFICE: 2, RUE GLUCK
BEHIND OPERA
TELEPHONE
PARIS, 8 Novembre 1895.
My dear Mr Frick,
I sent you by express to-day a package containing photographs of pictures by "Corot" & "Troyon." I felt that I would like to have you know that these two pictures can be purchased, as they represent two of the greatest men that ever lived at their very best. I am sure I do not exagerate when I say that Corot & Troyon never did anything superior. The "Corot" is from the Salon of 1861, which represents this great master's best period. It has just been etched & I enclose you the prospectus, which tells you something of the picture. The price is 150.000. fcs.
The "Troyon" is a most complete example, Chauchard has nothing better & not one that is so thoroughly satisfying. It comes from the famous collection of Baron de Tretaigne sold in 1872, when it was purchased by Carlos de Candamo ambassador at that time from Peru, a collector of a very high order. The picture is 38x27 inches and is
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a most charming composition with cow, shepherdess, sheep, water and a pleasant weather effect. It is also beautiful in color and very fine quality. The price of this picture is also 150.000. fcs and for your proper guidance I would say that I believe both these prices to be the lowest that would be accepted. In my humble opinion I believe them to be pictures without value & worth any price. Mr Jas. S. Forbes President of the London Chatham & Dover R. R. was very anxious for the National Gallery to purchase the Corot & offered to subscribe £1.000. toward that end.
It would be a great picture for the Carnegie gallery, but of course I know nothing of their plans or intentions. The size of the Corot is 63x51 inches.
I am sure that you will be glad to learn concerning these pictures even though you do not care to purchase anything so expensive, as you appreciate the tremendous scarcity of important representations of these great men.
I had the pleasure of accompanying Mr. Porter & Miss Woodwell to Poissy Tuesday & I think they had a very pleasant visit. Knight has started several pictures, which promise to be very attractive. I am glad to learn that you are getting so much pleasure out of
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CHANGEMENT D'ADRESSE á NEW-YORK
au 1er Mai 1895
355, FIFTH AVENUE
CORNER 34TH ST.
M. KNOEDLER & Co
170, FIFTH AVENUE
COR, 22ND ST, NEW YORK
CABLE ADDRESSES:
KNOEDLER PARIS
KNOEDLER, NEW-YORK
OFFICE: 2, RUE GLUCK
BEHIND OPERA
TELEPHONE
PARIS, 189
your purchase of last summer. Mr Magee will no doubt tell you of his visits to some of the studios, he seemed to thoroughly enjoy his first visit to Paris.
With kind regards to Mrs Frick & Miss Childs I remain
Yours Sincerely
Chas. S. Carstairs
The Carnegie Steel Co Limited,
CHAIRMAN BOARD OF MANAGERS
NOV 26 1895
ANSWERED.
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