Marc Chagall. "The Praying Jew". Reproduction of the original 1914 painting, purchased by actor and art collector Edward G. Robinson. [N.p., n.d., ca. 1953]. Approximately 23.5 x 17.75 inches. On wooden board. Framed. Toned, somewhat loose in frame. Good. [Together With:] Marc Chagall (Russian-born French artist, 1887-1985). Typed Letter Signed. "Les Collines"/Venice, 25 septembre 1953. One octavo page. Approximately 8.25 x 6.25 inches. In this letter (in French), Chagall regrets that he can't give permission to reproduce "The Praying Jew," as it is owned by "collectionneur Robenson [sic]," and he must contact Robinson for permission. Creased. With the original mailing envelope. [Together With:] Edward G. Robinson (American Actor and Art Collector, 1893-1973). Typed Letter Signed. [N.p.], June 9, 1953. One octavo page. Approximately 7.5 x 6.5 inches. In this amiable letter, Robinson states that he regrets that he doesn't have a copy to send to his correspondent, but he grants permission to the correspondent to take a photo of the painting in order to make his own copy. Robinson has signed and initialed the letter. Both letters and the mailing envelope are matted, framed and glazed together. A fine collection.
The original painting was displayed in the National Gallery of Art in 1953 when the collector saw it. He wrote to Chagall asking for permission to make a copy, but Chagall responded that he couldn't grant such a request, as he no longer owned the painting. Then the collector wrote to the owner of the painting, Edward G. Robinson, who gave permission to have a copy made.