Last week, Sir Joseph Duveen purchased from Lady Desborough, after secret bidding had determined his offer of $875,000* to be the most advantageous, Raphael's Madonna and Child, painted in 1508, probably the most notable Raphael Madonna extant outside of museums.
Having bought this brilliant and tender painting, Sir Joseph assured its English owners and authorities of the government that he would leave his possession in England for a fairly long period at least before taking it to the U. S. Lady Desborough, who had inherited the canvas indirectly from the third Earl Cowper who...