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Beginning of left page Holbein painted "Erasmus" more than once, but this is the Erasmus beyond them all. There is one in the Louvre but it is side face + not so interesting The Louvre also have a copy of Lord Radnor's "Erasmus," which is all duly laid out in Gauz's book. Your Holbein of "Sir Thomas More" is a fine example, but without wishing to disparage it in any way, there is no comparison between it + Lord Radnor's "Erasmus" - Apart from quality, what perfect companions they would make! almost exactly the same size + both looking towards each other. If I should succeed in getting the Erasmus for you I can only say you would be extremely fortunate,, whatever price you had to pay for it, such End of left page Beginning of right page a masterpiece is almost priceless. But as I have said, it will be very difficult, + it will only be by much tact + a very tempting figure such as above indicated, that one will accomplish it. I am, Dear Sir, Yours obediently, H. Silva White P.S. I should not like to risk leaving the matter until you come over next year, as I am afraid somebody else from your side might hear something + come along with a big bid! Really it is too risky, + it is not as if there were other equally fine Holbeins. This stands by itself.