PRESERVATION PHOTOCOPY: ORIGINAL MATERIAL RESTRICTED

My dear Miss Stettheimer:

Thank you for your note which I received this morning.

I was extremely interested in your point of view, especially so, as I find that it represents the point of view of all those who are _supposed_ to be interested in Modern Art. It is very curious that this group, who have given the public an idea that they have really seen beneath the surface, simply feel as you do; that its an intellectual protest, but that it has no aesthetic value.

Sometime, when we meet, I hope you will explain to me what you consider is of aesthetic value. Rembrandt in his period, which is of greatest value today, was not considered to have aesthetic value in his day, and generation. To me a piece of work is either a work of Art, an experiment or a means of livelihood; I think in every age you would find that nine-tenths come under the latter head. Most people confuse personal taste with Art: I am tremendously interested in art, but not at all in aesthetics because I feel that aesthetics belong to the amateurs of all ages.

I like your integrity and I thank you for writing to me so frankly. You are quite right in feeling that it would be a disadvantage to the Societe Anonyme, Inc., if you joined it, feeling as you do, about it. You are quite wrong in thinking that I would look upon the solemnity with which you regard your conscience as