New-York tribune., 1922-01-22
Duvcen Insists
Hahn Picture Is
Not a Da Vinci
Ari Expert Gives Detailed
Criticism of Painting in
Reply 10 S5OO.OOO Suit
for Libel Filed by Owner

Sir Joseph Duveer, dealer IN art oh
ircts and noted art expert. filed his
answer in tho Supreme Court ycster-
day 10 tho 100000 libel suit of Mrs.
Andree Hahn. Of Kansas City. who
complained that Sir Joseph wrongly
pronounced tho painting LA Relic
Ferronlere' COPY Of the original by
Leonardo da Ninci.
Sir Joseph says that when he cavc
the opinion that the raintinc was not
an original he did so without malice.
and that SINCE the bringing Of the
suit he has examined tho canvas in
question and now declares in iustiflca-
ton that he believes it is not ola
Belle Cerronicro." lie mentions Tho
names of several other noted art OK
pcrts who hold to the same view.
Fingcr-Prnt Evidence
Mrs. Hahn, thc plaintiff, is the
daughter OF the Marquis de Iardoux.
wealthy Brittany noblcman. and the
wife of Captain Harry j. Hahn. of
Kansas City. formerly an aviator in
.he IN united States army. At the time
tne suit was brought the attorney for
Mrs Hahn announced that he would
produce lndisputable proof that the
painting owned by his client is genu
inc original Da Ninci. The attorney
said that this proof not only would be
furnished by eminent art experts. but
also by the evidence OF finger-print OK
perts. who were able to detect the Da
Vinci finger marks on the canvas.
Sir Joseph, who is president of Du-
veen Brothers, Inc, one Of the largest
international art concerns, which has
acted as purchasers and experts for
the leading art collectors. including the
late j. P. Morgan. goes into lengthy
technical explanation in his answer for
his belief that the painting now in
Kansas City is only one of many copies
of the original LA Belle Ferroniere. >"
which hangs in the Louvre in Paris
Mrs Hahn now is in Dinard. France
at the home Of her father, and her
painting, it is understood, was to be
sold to the Kansas City Art Museum
The sale has not yet been consummated
1t was on December 13, 1921, SAYS Sir
Joseph, that lie examined the painting.
and now he states upon informant on
and belief that it is not Da Vinci.
The oil painting which is described
IN the complaint" says the defendant,
docs not show the consummate skill
and grasp Of the human structure that
is Fundamental and inherent in the
works Of Leonardo.
The head is attached on the shoul-
ders in q poor fashion. the plaits Of
flesh below the chin are not natural
the neck itself is 9 clumsy cylinder of
flesh, and the left-hand profile of the
neck is out OF design. The modelling
Of the breast and shoulders is crude
and primitive, whereas the paintings
by Leonardo. such as st. Jerome
Alteration of st. john Mona Lisa st.
Anne and the 'Annunciation,' show that
Leonardo was a consummate master in
ms understanding and grasp Of the
structure Of the human body; he could
present it with reality attained by
few others because in his paintings and
studies and preliminary sketches he
never violated any of natures prin-
ciples and laws
Sir Joseph added that several ex-
perts of the highest standing in the
art world also have examined "La
Belle ferroniere,' and that they, too,
gave the opinion that Mrs. Hahn's cam
vas was not an original. Two Of these
came came from Europe at the request Of
81 or Joseph, One is Seymour de Ricci.
th th faris, who has compiled catalog Of
the paintings in the Louvre, who after
an examination said the painting in
question is not the work of Leonardo
IA slncl. Others who rendered siYni-
lar views are Raymond Wyer, director
Of the Worcester Art Museum; Edward
". Forbes, director OF the Fogg Art
Museum at Harvard University; Frank
Jewett Mather, professor of art at
princeton University; Dr.. Valentiner,
curator Of the Detroit Art Museum, and
Losserr, OF Florence, Italy.
Sir Joseph also mentioned several ex-
perts who gave opinions in support Of
his contention, after examinations ~
photographs of Mrs. Hahn's picture
One of these is Bernhard Berenson. Of
Flore nee. Italy, "the greatest expert in
Italy on leonardo"