Desirable original 2.5 x 4.25 carte-de-visite portrait of Brahms by Fritz Luckhardt, signed below the image in black ink, “J. Brahms.” Brahms also wrote a brief, untranslated ANS in German on the reverse, dating it 1879. In fine condition, with mild toning, light foxing to the image, and a trivial pencil notation to the reverse. At this point in his career, Brahms had achieved a reputation throughout Europe as the greatest composer since Beethoven, and was in the midst of his most prolific period, premiering all four of his symphonies between 1876 and 1885. In 1879 specifically, he conducted the premiere of his Violin Concerto, written for his friend, the virtuoso Joseph Joachim, and was honored by the University of Breslau, for whom he composed the Academic Festival Overture in appreciation. An outstanding portrait of the world-class composer. RR Auction COA.
