Original photograph depicting Emilio Visconti-Venosta in frontal view.
Contemporary silver print bearing, at the foot of the image, the blindstamp of Roman photographer Lorenzo Suscipj, a pioneer of photography in Italy.
Minor black specks to the surface of the photograph.
Mounted on a stiff card sheet printed with the photographer’s address.
A rare dated and signed autograph inscription by Emilio Visconti-Venosta to the verso: “À M Henri Fournier, souvenir d’un ami, E. Visconti-Venosta. Rome. 18 January 1877”. ['To Mr Henri Fournier, a token from a friend, E. Visconti-Venosta. Rome, 18 January 1877.']
An influential Italian statesman, Emilio Visconti-Venosta played a significant role in the struggle for Italian unification. Appointed by Cavour as royal commissioner to Giuseppe Garibaldi, he later served as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
A fine portrait by a pioneer of Italian photography, depicting one of the founding figures of Italy’s independence and unity.