Early bust-length cabinet photograph, ca. 1870, of the influential French composer in formal dress, signed with his name alone "C. Saint-Saens" on the verso. Spotting over the image and verso, otherwise in good condition. The image by Barenne of Paris, 10.5 x 15 cm. From the Gavy-Bélédin collection, once part of the 'bibliothèque municipale de Nantes' (see stamp, lower right) later returned to the family and sold at auction. Signed photographs from this period are very scarce.
Early bust-length cabinet photograph, ca. 1870, of the influential French composer in formal dress, signed with his name alone "C. Saint-Saens" on the verso. Spotting over the image and verso, otherwise in good condition. The image by Barenne of Paris, 10.5 x 15 cm. From the Gavy-Bélédin collection, once part of the 'bibliothèque municipale de Nantes' (see stamp, lower right) later returned to the family and sold at auction. Signed photographs from this period are very scarce.