[Dr Innocenz Grafe [Dr I. Grafe], Viennese art historian; Rembrandt.] Typed Letter Signed, asking art historian Giles Robertson, on behalf of Prof. Otto Benesch and his publishers Phaidon, if he will assist with ‘stylistic revision’

Grafe’s putative intelligence work during the war is referenced in Helen Fry’s ‘The Walls Have Ears | The Greatest Intelligence Operation of World War II’ (2019). He worked as translator and editor from as early as 1950 (for Phaidon) and 1986 (for Thames and Hudson). Nigel Spivey, in his ‘Phaidon 1923-98’ (1999), describes how, during the ‘Harvey Miller period’ at the firm, ‘Steady editorial continuity within the workforce at Cromwell Place was provided by an ex-Viennese scholar called Innocenz Grafe (who for a perhaps obvious reason preferred to be known as simply ‘Dr G.’ ’. Robertson had begun his long career at Edinburgh University eight years before (1946), having worked through the war at Bletchley Park, before joining the unit assigned to track down works of art looted by the Nazis. 2pp, 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded twice for postage. Addressed to Robertson at the Fine Art Department of Edinburgh University, and signed ‘I. Grafe’, above the following in type: ‘Dr. I. Grafe / Editorial Assistant / PHAIDON PRESS LTD.’ Grafe begins the letter by explaining that Phaidon are ‘at present engaged in publishing a complete edition of the Drawings of Rembrandt in six volumes, with collotype reproductions and a critical Catalogue by Professor Otto Benesch, at whose suggestion we now write to you’. Although Benesch’s manuscript is written in English, ‘it requires, we think, a certain amount of stylistic revision before it can be set up’. Benesch has emphasized ‘that such revision can only be successful if undertaken by a scholar of high standing’, and has informed Phaidon ‘that in days past you had the kindness of assisting him in preparing lectures and we hope therefore we may enquire whether you would be prepared to help again in the same way’. Both publishers and author would ‘very greatly appreciate a positive reply’. Grafe offers to send the first two volumes, which are already bound and will shortly appear.