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Lot #633
Bedrich Smetana Signed Carte-de-Visite Photograph

Elusive signed portrait of the composer of The Moldau

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Estimate: $4000+
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Description

Elusive signed portrait of the composer of The Moldau

Distinguished Czech composer (1824–1884) best known for his colorful symphonic poem The Moldau and the opera The Bartered Bride. Rare 2.5 x 4.25 carte-de-visite photo of Smetana in a full-length pose, wearing a warm winter coat, by J. Mulac of Prague, signed on the mount in ink, "Bedrich Smetana." In fine condition, with light scuffing to the image. This is reportedly the last photograph taken of the composer, taken in December 1881 and printed in the spring of 1882, and signed at the end of his life, when he was enfeebled, deaf, and nearly blind—lending to the extreme rarity of signed photographs from this period. Smetana is extremely scarce in signed photographs, this being just the third we have offered.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #701 - Ended October 16, 2024





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