WILHELM DIETZ 

London, 13 December 1890 

Dear Mr Dietz, 

I have yet to tender you my warmest thanks for the magnificent 
birthday present you sent me. I was particularly delighted with Rei- 
nicke’s pictures; it’s the first time I have seen German genre paintings 
depicting life in a big city that are altogether free of the stiffness and 
affectation which otherwise so obstinately dog German painters of 
genre and historical pieces. But here we have no poses—here we 
have life as it is lived. 

That we tippled our way merrily through my 70th birthday you 
will have heard from the three Magi on their return to the Orient.* 
And that things are proceeding at a brisk pace in Germany I see and 
hear daily, and that is best of all. 

With cordial regards 

Yours, 
F. Engels