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Virtual Book Fair Exclusive

EXTREMELY RARE SIGNED DARWIN PHOTOGRAPH ALSO SIGNED ON THE VERSO BY CONTROVERSIAL PHOTOGRAPHER OSCAR REJLANDER, WHO TOOK THIS CDV IMAGE AND WHOSE PHOTOGRAPHS ILLUSTRATED DARWIN’S THE EXPRESSION OF THE EMOTIONS IN MAN AND ANIMALS

CHARLES DARWIN

$50,000
  • Location: London
  • Date: circa 1871
  • Seller SKU: ABAA758

DARWIN, CHARLES. (1809-82). British scientist and founder of evolutionary theory. Superb and Exceedingly-rare Signed Carte-de-Visite Photograph. Darwin is depicted [in a clear 1st generation print], showing him seated in 1/2 length pose, facing right, with his hands clasped in front of him. Boldly signed on the lower margin, "Charles Darwin." No place, [London]. No date [circa 1871]. Also signed on the verso by OSCAR GUSTAVE REJLANDER (1813- 1875), the Victorian art photographer, who took this photograph: "O.G. Rejlander / 1 Albert Mansions, / Victoria Street S.W."

Like his highly popular The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals allowed Charles Darwin a forum in which he could address questions of human origins and human psychology through the use of his controversial theory of evolution by natural selection. The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, one of the first books to contain photographs, which followed the example set by the previous year's The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, selling more than 5,000 copies in its first edition alone!

Oscar Rejlander was a Swedish-born photographer that worked in genre work, portraiture, and erotic images. Despite the controversially erotic nature of some of Rejlander's early work, many of which were collected by Rejlander's close friend Charles Dodgson [better known as the author: Lewis Carroll], Rejlander went on to be a highly successful photographer who was even patronized by Queen Victoria. Moreover, Rejlander provided the photographic illustrations to Charles Darwin's very popular The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872), which examined how humans and non-human animals express emotions.

We can not locate any other image of Darwin being signed by them both. Housed in a custom made, gilt-imprinted, leather spine, clam-shelled case. A simply wonderful, and exceedingly rare signed photograph, combined with the outstanding association of two colleagues whose works were the center of much controversy during, and even subsequent to, their lifetimes! One of our "Best of the Best".™

Offered by Gerard A.J. Stodolski, Inc.

Gerard A.J. Stodolski, Inc.
Specializing in Artist Letters, Historic Autographs & Manuscripts, Presidential Autographs, Science, Signed And Inscribed Books and Signed And Inscribed Photographs.
Our experience spans over six decades in the historic autograph, rare book and manuscript field. During those years we have been engaged in the full-time business of buying, selling and appraising original letters, manuscripts, documents, signed photographs, historical ephemera, posters and books. We have been members of the ABAA and ILAB for over 35 years. Among our many clients are: The White House, the Library of Congress, major libraries, colleges and Ivy League universities. Many of the finest private libraries and collections on the planet contain items that have passed through our hands. The total dollar amount of this material is incalculable. We have been profiled with a segment on the ABC Evening News, and have been quoted and/or interviewed by: The New York Times, NY Daily News, The Washington Post, and other major newspapers, both here and abroad.

We have also authenticated and appraised major collections of material including: Abraham Lincoln's 'House divided' speech for a Morgan Library patron; to Louisa May Alcott's family archive, and the Leon Trotsky archives, both at Harvard University; to a major collection of French Impressionist artist letters; to a world class collection of Charles Dickens, [now residing at the Dickens House Museum in London]; to co-appraising the archives of The New York Stock Exchange, among hundreds of others. Our experience is second to none.

We exhibit at many of the major book fairs and symposiums held nationally and internationally. Additionally, we participate in both auction and non-auction sales of material, representing client interests in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Hong Kong, Philadelphia, London, Paris, Shanghai, Berlin, Rome, Geneva and elsewhere.
Contact the Seller
Gerard A.J. Stodolski
FIVE CHICKADEE COURT
Bedford, NH 03110 USA, New Hampshire 03110
Phone/Text: (603) 488-1775
Our return policy allows items to be returned for any reason within seven (7) days of receipt, in the same condition that the item was sent out. Exceptions to this policy may be considered, if arranged in advance, and the terms must be in writing.
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