Autograph Signatures from the company of the Moscow Art Theatre

Remarkable collection of autographs from important figures in early twentieth century Russian theatre, including Olga Knipper, wife of Anton Chekhov, and Ivan Moskvin, future director of the Moscow Art Theatre, on a single sheet of Russian Consulate Chicago stationary.  In fine condition.  6.5 x 8.5 inches (16.5 x 21.6 cm.).

Together with a typed letter signed from "A. Volkoff," the Russian Consul-General in Chicago, conveying the signatures to a young woman who had evidently written to express interest in adding to her collection.  April 16, 1923;  2 pp. on Russian Consulate stationary.  In part, "Dear Mademoiselle, / I am very glad to be able in helping you to illuminate your collection with autographes of our famous Russian artists of the Moscow Art Theatre.  I am sending you the signatures of those of my dear friends from Russia who were present at my home April 14-th.  You will find the names of Madame Olga Knipper, wife of Anton Tshekhoff who wrote the dramas: The Cherry Orchard and Three Sisters.  Madame Lydia Koreneff and Madame Nina Litovzeva who is the wife of Katchaloff, Vladimir Gribounin, Wasily Loushsky and Ivan Moskwin."  Volkoff goes on to ask if the unidentified recipient would be willing to raise funds for all-girls schools in Belgrade, where Russian women who fled the Bolsheviks were currently being housed and instructed.  A halftone photograph of Konstantin Stanislavski is mounted to verso of the letter.  In fine condition.  8.5 x 11 inches (21.6 x 27.9 cm.).

Founded in 1898 by Konstantin Stanislavski and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, the Moscow Art Theatre was created to focus on naturalistic theatre, in counterpoint to the melodramas dominant at the time.  Works produced by the company went on to have an enormous impact on modern American theatre and drama. (20134)

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Postcard

Signed Document/Item

Signed Photograph

Theater

Film

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