Documents associated with: 73rd Exhibition of the Royal Scottish Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, 1899
Record 1 of 5
System Number: 00840
Date: [December 1898][1]
Author: Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev[2]
Place: Berlin
Recipient: JW
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler D46
Document Type: ALS
[embossed crest:] SAVOY-HOTEL
BERLIN
FRIEDRICHSTR. 103
'1898'
Monsieur.
Jusqu'a présent nous n'avons obtenu de vos oeuvres que la petite tête de Mr Heinemann[3]. M[essieu]rs Cowan[4], Burrell[5] et Robertson[6] n'ont rien envoyé. Les deux premiers n'ont pas dutout répondu, tandis que le dernier a refusé. Je suis certain, que si vous vouliez leurs [p. 2] ecrire un mot, ils auraient certainement envoyé. Je regrette de ne pas avoir le tableau de Mr Cowan d'autant plus qu'il m'a déjà envoyé une seule fois et que l'oeuvre dont il est maintenant question est des plus importantes. Veuillez donc cher Maître nous rendre ce grand service et ecrivez quelques lignes à Mr Cowan. Vous n'avez qu'a faire ça pour que nous ayons une de vos belles toiles.
Agréez Cher Maître l'assurance de mes sentiments distingués
Serge Diaghilev.
This document is protected by copyright.
Translation:
Dear Sir.
Until now the only one of your works we have obtained is Mr Heinemann's little head. Messrs Cowan, Burrell and Robertson have sent nothing. The first two have not even replied, whilst the latter has refused. I am certain, that if you had wanted to write a note, they certainly would have sent them. I regret not having the picture of Mr Cowan even more so because he has already sent me one picture and the work now in question is one of the most important. Would you therefore dear Master grant me the great service of writing to Mr Cowan. You have only to do that for us to have one of your best canvasses.
Yours sincerely
Serge Diaghilev
Notes:
1. [December 1898]
The date '1898' is written in another hand on p. 1. Diaghilev was trying to collect a group of paintings for the 1st World of Art Exhibition, St Petersburg, 1899.
2. Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev
Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev (1872-1929), choreographer and ballet impresario [more].
3. Heinemann
William Heinemann (1863-1920), publisher [more], lent Blue and Coral: The Little Blue Bonnet (YMSM 500).
4. Cowan
John James Cowan (1846-1936), paper manufacturer and collector [more], was unable to lend At the Piano (YMSM 24) because it was already committed to the 73rd Exhibition of the Royal Scottish Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, 1899. His own portrait, Arrangement in Grey and Green: Portrait of J. J. Cowan (YMSM 402), was not finished.
5. Burrell
William Burrell (1861-1958), ship-owner and collector [more], did not lend anything.
6. Robertson
Walford Graham Robertson (1867-1948), painter, designer and collector [more], owned Crepuscule in Flesh Colour and Green: Valparaiso (YMSM 73) and Arrangement in Brown and Black: Portrait of Miss Rosa Corder (YMSM 203), but does not appear to have lent them.