Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, May 6, 1953

May 6 – Wednesday –
     A.M. working on the drawings —
     At noon – to Buffalo – drop B off at Court & Pearl to do some shopping while I went on to the Albright Gallery for the Art Committee meeting – A “luncheon” meeting – the luncheon consisting of a ham & cheese sandwich & a glass of milk – good enough but not enough for me – Only about six or seven came – a lot of dry stuff and then the real event of the evening — the inspection of a Greek bronze (Diana) – which was unearthed in Rome in 1938 by some excavators for a building project.– Jointly owned by two men one in Rome, one in N.Y. — It had been cleaned — I went into the vault prepared not to care too much for it, but I was agreeably surprised – a beautiful work in all respects – almost in perfect preservation except for one hoof of the deer, and a dog missing – but the figure of Diana facing a strong wind which blew her garments into beautiful folds, & revealing her form – It seemed as vibrant and full of life as if just completed yesterday. My heart went out to it. When asked my opinion I said I thought they ought by all means buy it – (he first asked $100,000 – then $50,000 & $25,000 for cleaning it (!) They are going to offer $50000 & 5000 for cleaned – prepared to go to $60,000.
Charles E. Burchfield, May 6, 1953