Legendary director (1885–1957) whose autocratic nature and profligacy brought an end to his directorial career. He went on to enjoy success as a character actor, perhaps most memorably as Gloria Swanson’s faithful butler in the 1950 classic Sunset Boulevard. Vintage sepia matte-finish 6.75 x 9 photo of Stroheim in early-19th-century costume, signed and inscribed in ink, “To Madame Baffo—who helped me kindly to get well when I was ill, in friendship, Erich von Stroheim.” In very good condition, with writing a shade light but fully legible (slightly indistinct contrast to signature against background), a few small surface marks, and photographty studio label (Dax, Paris) at lower right. R&R COA.
