Cabinet Photograph with Two Autograph Signatures

Original cabinet photograph of the American actress and singer with her husband and frequent collaborator, the operetta composer Edward Solomon. Photographed by Falk of New York, Russell is shown looking at the camera while Solomon looks up at her from the piano. Together with an autograph signature from Russell and a clipped signature from Russell, also bearing fragments of an autograph letter referring to the couple's divorce. Below his signature, Solomon has penned a postscript: "I might add that to increase my woes, thro' the officiousness (as usual) of the American Press my wife has parted from me for ever, at least, she says so." The verso reads: "I will now close this, as I fear it will not be very interesting to you, but I will make my next fully so." Slight buckling to the cabinet card; light toning and foxing to the signatures; overall fine. Photograph 4.25 x 6.5 inches (10.7 x 16.7 cm); signatures each approx. 4 x 3 inches.

One of the most famous actresses and singers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lillian Russell shone in comic operettas and was adored for her voice, stage presence and beauty. English composer Edward Solomon was her second husband (m. 1885–1893) and showcased her in several of his operettas in both London and New York. Their relationship soured as his shows became less successful, and when Russell learned of his first, and undissolved, marriage. Solomon was arrested for bigamy in 1886, but was never convicted—Russell finally obtained a divorce in 1893. Solomon died of typhoid fever in 1895, aged only 39; Russell went on to marry twice more, had a long relationship with financier Diamond Jim Brady, and stayed in the public eye as a vaudeville and stage actress, advocate for women's suffrage, and a proponent of restrictive immigration reform. (16384)

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Unsigned Photograph

Autograph Letter

Signature

Song

Theater

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