ART TREASURES IN THE TYROL. (To THE EDITOR OP THE
"SPECTATOR."] Sta.—That large section of the Austrian Tyrol which has been allotted by the Treaty of St. Germain to Italy, while it is lacking for the necessary material to build up a new life, is rich in art treasures of incalculable value. One of the Most distinguished of living Anglo-Saxon artists, shipwrecked there in the storm of August, 1914, sent a sketch of his in gratitude to the kind Austrian host who rescued him; and has recently been asked by this gentleman, a landowner, whether he might sell the sketch in England or America in order to buy agricul- tural machinery for his estate. The artist in question replied with characteristic courtesy that not only might the sketch be sold, but that he would render any assistance in his power; as, in fact, he is now doing. The incident is significant of a tragic position; and is, moreover, suggestive of a remedy. Might it not be good business, good policy, and the kind of Christianity which finds most favour in our country, to exchange some of our material wealth for the spiritual riches of this forlorn and lovely land? The Tyrol abounds with old castles which brim with the artistic hoards of centuries. Their walls drip Rembrandts; their libraries bulge ancient manu- scripts; their cellars strewed with priceless tapestries.
Would it not be worth the while of the authorities to send a Commissioner to the Tyrol to find out what there is to buy and offer fair terms for it? It would surely be sacrilege if some of the precious jewels of Christian art were sold for a song to Jew dealers from the Levant and relegated to obscurity in harems on the shores of the Golden Horn, because the appropriate successors (worthy, let us hope, of the treasure, and able certainly, to let display it worthily) were ignorant that it was for sale, while the owners, unaware of its true value, threw away wealth which might have saved their homes and educated their .children. I am authorized to say that Baron Sternbach, Innsbruck, Margarethenplatz 7/4, would be glad to supply to our authorities or private collectors (not dealers) any information in his power.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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