Fabian Bachrach (1917–2010) was a prominent third-generation portrait photographer known for his images of celebrities, politicians, presidents, and other key figures, but is perhaps best remembered for his portrait of then-Senator John F. Kennedy, which was later used as JFK’s official presidential portrait. Bachrach Studios, founded in Baltimore in 1868 by Bachrach, is thought to be the oldest continuously operating photography studio in the world, having photographed every chief executive from Abraham Lincoln (the only known photo taken at the Gettysburg Address). Offered are eight magnificent 7.25 x 9.25 Bachrach original portraits, each made from the original negative (all but one color), each matted and contained within its original 11 x 13.75 presentation folder, and each signed by its subject. Desirable from a photographic standpoint, the signatures were personally obtained by noted collector Barry Hoffman. Signers are: Ronald Reagan (signed beneath a calligraphic inscription), Archibald Cox (ins), Eugene McCarthy (ins), George McGovern (ins), Edmund Muskie (ins), John Kenneth Galbraith (ins), Julia Child (ins), and Seiji Ozawa. Accompanied by a portrait signed by Bachrach, and a TLS (1981) from Cox. In overall fine condition with light scattered toning to a few of the mats. A remarkable ensemble desirable to collectors of fine photography as well as autographs. RRAuction COA.
