Enesco, Georges. (1881–1955)
Large Signed Original Photograph to Leopold Mannes
Gelatin silver print photograph of the Romanian violinist, pianist and composer, dated 1949, inscribed on the recto, in full: "A Leopold Mannes, avec mes voeux les/plus chaud, pour qu'il donne toute la pleine/mesure de ses/dons si exceptionnels,/si authentiques./Georges Enesco/1949." Poor contract to the inscription (in some sense, this improving the artistic impact of the remarkable photograph itself), light handling creases and minor crack in the emulsion layer in the lower right corner, but in otherwise fine condition. Measures 11 x 14 inches, framed to approx. 19 x 23 inches overall.An accomplished pianist and one of the two inventors of Kodachrome, Leopold Mannes was the first Director and later the President of the Mannes College of Music in New York. Georges Enesco taught at the college in the 1930s and 40s, thus was a colleague of Mannes. The college was founded by Mannes parents and is now known as the Mannes School of Music. (19552)