Signed portraits of writers, artists, personalities, signed photographs and first edition iconographic documents

Exhibition catalogue of paintings by Tony Curtis, presented at the Center Art Galleries in Hawaii.

Catalogue illustrated with reproductions of works by Tony Curtis.

A very good copy. The original mailing envelope for the catalogue is included.

Signed by Tony Curtis in blue felt-tip pen on the front cover of the catalogue.

Provenance: from the collection of the distinguished autograph collector Claude Armand.

Three original childhood photographs of Maurice Béjart, and his birth announcement 
[after 1927] | 12.2 x 17.2 cm| three photographs and a card
Three original photographs of Maurice Béjart as a child beside his mother, taken in Mougins.
We attach the birth announcement, dated 1 January 1927, printed with his name “Maurice Jean Berger.”
Provenance: Maurice Béjart's personal archives.

Black and white photograph depicting a smiling Tony Curtis.

A handsome example, with slight ink smudging affecting the last two letters of 'Curtis.'

Bold blue ink autograph by Tony Curtis in the left margin of the image.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Reprint of a photograph showing a young Shirley Temple lying on a bed.

A fine copy.

Inscribed and signed in black felt-tip pen by Shirley Temple, dated 1988, to the renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black and white photographic portrait depicting the Philippine dictator seated at his desk.

Accompanied by an official letter on the headed paper of the Office of the President of the Philippines, together with its envelope.

Manuscript signature of Ferdinand Marcos in black ink.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black-and-white photographic postcard depicting Gilbert Bécaud.

Discography of Gilbert Bécaud printed on the verso, with minor paper losses.

Inscribed and signed by Gilbert Bécaud to the noted autograph collector Claude Armand: "A Claude Gilbert," enhanced with a small cat sketch in blue ballpoint pen.

Oblong color postcard depicting Charles Aznavour with his hands crossed under his chin.

A fine copy.

Signed by Charles Aznavour in black felt-tip pen in the right-hand margin of the card.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black-and-white photograph depicting cosmonaut Boris Yegorov in uniform adorned with his military decorations.

A handsome copy.

Rare autograph signed in blue felt-tip pen by Boris Yegorov in the left margin of the print.

On October 12, 1964, aboard Voskhod 1, Boris Yegorov completed his sole spaceflight as a physician, participating in the first mission in history to carry a crew of three.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black-and-white photograph showing a young Melina Mercouri lying in straw and chewing on a blade of it.

A handsome example. Press clippings mounted on the verso.

Signed by Melina Mercouri in blue ink.

Provenance: from the collection of the noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Color postcard depicting a young Ginger Rogers wearing a hat.

A fine copy.

Boldly signed by Ginger Rogers in blue felt-tip pen.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black-and-white photograph showing Debbie Reynolds smiling in profile.

A fine example. With the autograph envelope sent by Debbie Reynolds to the prominent autograph collector Claude Armand.

Signed autograph inscription from Debbie Reynolds to Claude Armand: "To Claude best wishes. Debbie Reynolds."

Original black and white photograph showing Pierre Daninos with a slight smile.

A handsome ensemble. We enclose the handwritten envelope in which the photograph was sent.

Inscribed, dated and signed by Pierre Daninos in blue felt-tip pen, addressed to the prominent autograph collector Claude Armand.

Also included is a ten-line autograph letter, dated and signed, in which Pierre Daninos thanks Claude Armand and shares the title of his forthcoming book, the result of his journey around the world: "Les touristocrates".

Black and white portrait photograph showing Tito facing the camera.

A well-preserved example. Included are an envelope bearing the letterhead of the Yugoslav Embassy, a printed card from the same embassy, and a typewritten letter from the Yugoslav Consulate thanking Claude Armand for his request for a photograph of Tito.

Bold blue ink autograph by Tito in the right-hand margin of the photograph.

Provenance: from the collection of noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Original black and white portrait of Mistinguett wearing a hat.

Very slight, superficial scuffing to the margins, not affecting the image.

Vintage gelatin silver print. Printed stamp of the P. Apers photographic studio in Paris to the right margin of the image.

Inscribed by Mistinguett to André Saudemon, signed and dated in black ink, at the foot of the photograph.

Original black and white photograph by the Associated Press British showing Cliff Richard posing in Athens with the Acropolis in the background, taken on the occasion of the release of the film "Summer Holiday".

A fine example. Associated Press British label affixed to the verso. Autographs of actors Roy Castle and Lebbi Siffre below the image.

Cliff Richard’s autograph in black felt-tip pen in the left margin of the print.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black and white photograph depicting Betty Grable.

A handsome copy. Press clippings mounted to the verso of the print.

Manuscript signature by Betty Grable in violet felt-tip pen in the left margin of the photograph.

Provenance: from the collection of the renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Later print of a portrait photograph showing a young Gloria Swanson facing the camera.

A handsome copy.

Boldly signed by Gloria Swanson in blue ink.

Provenance: from the collection of the noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Photographic portrait of Erroll Garner, seated at his piano.

A fine copy.

Inscribed and signed by Erroll Garner in blue ink in the upper left margin of the photograph.

Provenance: from the collection of the renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black and white photograph depicting Cliff Richard slightly turned towards the camera.

A very well-preserved example.

Bold black ink signature by Cliff Richard in the right margin of the photograph.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black-and-white photographic portrait of Glenn Ford, dating from the 1930s–1940s.

A handsome print.

Boldly signed by Glenn Ford in black felt-tip pen in the upper left margin of the image.

Provenance: from the collection of noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black and white photograph depicting a young Alice Faye.

A fine copy.

Signed by Alice Faye in silver ink in the right margin of the photograph.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black-and-white photographic promotional portrait for Disney studios, depicting Walt Disney. A minute black line is visible near the hair.

Rare and striking manuscript signature by Walt Disney in black ink, signed directly within the image.

First edition.

Contemporary Bradel binding in grey cloth-backed marbled boards, smooth spine decorated with a gilt floral motif, gilt date and double fillet at foot, brown shagreen label, original wrappers preserved; a contemporary binding executed for Léon Vanier with the binder's ticket pasted ton front pastedown "Reliures Léon Vanier 19 quai Saint-Michel Paris" .

Our copy exceptionally contains a faded original photograph by Otto Wegener depicting Paul Verlaine standing with a cane and wearing a top hat; exceptional signed autograph inscription by Paul Verlaine in the lower right margin of the print: "A Léon Vanier son édité et ami. P. Verlaine." (To Léon Vanier, his published [author]...

"On June 28, 1970, I attended the first New York Gay Pride March. The date marks the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which launched the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in the U.S. We left from Christopher Street, a gay cultural mecca in Greenwich Village, and walked up 6th Avenue to Central Park. To end the day, a kissing contest was held in the middle of the park! It was a great moment of joy, love and freedom. This couple, who kissed for hours under an umbrella, obviously didn't care about photographers" (Interview with Clément Thierry, 2021)

Original photograph depicting Charles Gounod, full face.

Vintage gelatin silver print mounted on cardboard, produced by photographer Isidore Alphonse Chalot at 18, rue Vivienne, Paris.

Autograph inscriptions in black then blue ink on the verso by the recipient, A. Lasserre, inspector at the Opéra Garnier: "Portrait de Ch. Gounod signé le soir de la 926eme représentation de Faust (samedi 29 septembre 1888) A. Lasserre."

Additional handwritten note in pencil in the right margin of the verso: 1867e représentation de Faust le 28 septembre 1929.

Printed stamp at foot of the verso: "Maison Martinet Albert Hautecoeur, 18, bd des Capucines."

Charles Gounod’s dated autograph signature to upper right...

Black and white photographic postcard depicting Raymond Poulidor in cycling attire.

A handsome copy. To the verso, a promotional label for Raymond Poulidor equipment has been affixed.

Inscribed autograph tribute signed by Raymond Poulidor in brown felt-tip pen to the upper left margin of the card.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

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...

Original black and white photograph depicting Maurice Druon in his Académie Française regalia.

A fine copy. Enclosed is the handwritten envelope addressed to the recipient by Maurice Druon.

Inscribed and signed by Maurice Druon in blue ink in the right margin of the photograph: "Avec mes meilleurs souhaits Druon."

Provenance: from the collection of the noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Original black and white photograph depicting Michel Polnareff in the street, standing opposite a security guard.

A handsome example. Signed by Michel Polnareff on a piece of paper mounted to the verso of the photograph.

Signed by Michel Polnareff in the upper part of the image.

Provenance : from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Original inscribed photograph showing Yves Montand dressed as a cowboy and pointing a revolver in his right hand.

Yves Montand is slightly facing forward. Vintage silver gelatin print. 
On the verso, Yves Montand's name is misspelled twice.

Autograph inscription signed by Yves Montand at the bottom of the photograph: "Pour Michel amicalement Y.Montand."


 

Original albumen print photograph of Charles de Gaulle, wearing the Cross of Lorraine and the insignia of the Free French Forces, likely taken shortly after the Liberation. Studio stamp of Harcourt Paris within the photograph, under mat and light wood frame, with some minor damage to the frame. 

Signed and inscribed by Charles de Gaulle below the portrait: "A M. Jules Guichet / Bien amicalement ! / 19.2.58 / C. de Gaulle". 

First edition, one of 85 numbered copies and 3 hors commerce copies, ours one of the 70 on B.F.K. de Rives paper.

A fine copy complete with its chemise and slipcase in full black cloth, spine of the chemise slightly faded, a small tear at the foot of the lower panel of the slipcase.

Illustrated with 19 original photographs signed in pencil by Henri Maccheroni.

Black-and-white photograph depicting Shirley Temple as a child.

A fine copy.

Inscribed and signed by Shirley Temple in 1988, with an autograph dedication to the noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Original black and white photograph depicting Boris Yegorov in flight suit.

A fine copy.

Rare autograph of Boris Yegorov in blue ink in the left margin of the photograph.

On 12 October 1964, aboard Voskhod 1, Boris Yegorov made his sole flight as a physician, participating in the first mission in history to carry three crew members.

Provenance: from the collection of the renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black-and-white photographic postcard depicting Dolores del Rio in a frontal portrait.

A very attractive example. Envelope sent from Mexico included.

Inscribed and signed by Dolores del Rio in blue felt-tip pen to the renowned autograph collector Claude Armand: "To Claude Armand best wishes Dolores Del Rio."

Black and white photographic postcard depicting Ginger Rogers in profile.

A fine copy.

Inscribed and signed by Ginger Rogers for the renowned autograph collector Claude Armand: "To Claude Armand kindest wishes. Ginger Rogers."

Black and white photographic postcard depicting Louison Bobet in cycling attire.

A fine copy.

Inscribed and signed by Louison Bobet in blue ink, addressed to the prominent autograph collector Claude Armand.

Louison Bobet is among the most decorated cyclists in history: three-time winner of the Tour de France between 1953 and 1955 (the first rider to win the race three years in a row), world champion in 1954, and French national champion in 1950 and 1951. He also claimed victory in numerous classic races, including Paris–Roubaix and Milan–San Remo, among others.

Photographic postcard by Studio Philips, depicting Johnny Halliday in black and white, holding his guitar in his right hand, resting it on his shoulder.

The verso features the artist's discography, with minor text loss at the head and foot. A well-preserved example.

Bold blue ink signature by Johnny Halliday.

Colour photographic postcard depicting Fernand Raynaud holding a crate of oranges, with a sign reading: "Ici on vend de belles oranges pas chères."

On the verso, a blue ballpoint signature of Fernand Raynaud has been affixed.

Inscribed and signed by Fernand Raynaud in red felt-tip pen: "Merci Claude. FRaynaud."

Provenance: from the collection of the distinguished autograph collector Claude Armand.

Photographic postcard inscribed by Laurent Terzieff to the renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Postcard reproducing a black-and-white photograph by Studio Harcourt, showing Laurent Terzieff resting his head on his arms.

Autograph inscription signed by Laurent Terzieff in black ink to the right of the image: "A Claude Armand merci de votre très aimable lettre. L. Terzieff."

Original black-and-white photograph depicting Elvire Popesco in a three-quarter profile.

A handsome print. Vintage print, with the printed stamp of the Nicolas Treatt Studio in Paris on the verso.

Signed in black ink by Elvire Popesco.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Postcard after an original photograph by David Hamilton depicting a young girl walking through a flower-filled meadow.

A fine copy.

Signed by David Hamilton in black felt-tip pen at the foot of the card.

Provenance: from the collection of the noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Color photographic postcard depicting Johnny Hallyday, a guitar in his right hand, balancing on a locomotive.

Photographic postcard produced by Philips studios.

Signed in Johnny Hallyday's hand in the upper left margin.

Colour photographic postcard depicting Claude François.

A well-preserved example. A newspaper clipping has been affixed to the verso, which also shows traces of glue.

Signed in black felt-tip pen by Claude François, with a small flower drawing and the word "bises".

Provenance: from the collection of the prominent autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black and white photographic portrait of the legendary jazz musician Benny Goodman, holding his clarinet in his left hand.

A fine example. A newspaper clipping announcing the musician’s death is affixed to the verso of the print. We include the original mailing envelope, bearing Benny Goodman’s initials, in which the photograph was sent. A concert program for Benny Goodman and his jazz band performing in Zurich in 1970 accompanies the set.

Signed by Benny Goodman in blue ballpoint pen in the upper left corner of the photograph.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Photographic postcard depicting Lionel Hampton in the 1960s–70s playing the vibraphone.

A handsome copy.

Signed by Lionel Hampton in blue felt-tip pen on the verso of the photograph.

Provenance: from the collection of the renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black-and-white photographic postcard depicting a young Ludmila Tcherina.

Pinholes to the corners of the card.

Signed autograph inscription by Ludmila Tcherina, in white felt-tip pen, to the prominent autograph collector Claude Armand: "A Claude bien amicalement Tcherina."

Provenance: from the collection of the renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Photograph signed by Tyrone Power in violet ink.

A handsome print. Printed stamp of a London dealer on the verso of the image.

Provenance: from the collection of the noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Postcard-format reproduction of a photograph by David Hamilton depicting a nude woman seen from behind, gazing at herself in a mirror.

Signed by David Hamilton in black felt-tip pen at the lower right corner of the card.

A handsome copy.

Provenance: from the collection of the noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Original portrait of the painter Mai Trung Thu, known as Mai-Thu, inscribed on verso with his emblematic monogram in colored pen: "à l'abbé Guéniart en souvenir du séjour au S.U.J.A / Maï Thu / 14.6.57".

In this handsome portrait, Mai-Thu is surrounded by his paintings on silk - no fewer than seven, including a children scene closely related to his 1965 masterpiece (Aguttes sale, September 26, 2023). The great themes that made the Hanoi School painter famous are to be found here: ideal women, children's games, tea ceremonies... Each canvas is carefully framed, often in Mai-Thu's own tireless perfectionist hands.

The painter underwent several cures in the 1950s to treat his tuberculosis...

"It's war!" we shouted that night, over and over again. The terrible word brought us bad luck... It was 1913: the following year, we were packing our kits again. This time, for real. And not all the guests came back." p. 335

First edition, one of only 6 copies printed on Hollande, this being copy no. 1 of the deluxe issue.
Bound in navy blue morocco backed boards with corners, spine very lightly sunned with raised bands, gilt date at foot, marbled paper-covered boards and endpapers, edges untrimmed, top edge gilt, covers and spine preserved. Binding signed Lavaux.
A fine copy with wide margins, attractively bound.
Bookplate pasted to a flyleaf.
The author's own copy, profusely...

- Paris 1970, 19.5x30cm, 15 photographs. -

"Le 28 juin 1970, j'assistais à la première Gay Pride de New York. La date correspond au premier anniversaire des émeutes de Stonewall, qui ont lancé le mouvement de libération LGBTQ+ aux États-Unis. Nous sommes partis de Christopher Street, haut lieu de la culture gay de Greenwich Village, et nous avons remonté la 6e Avenue jusqu'à Central Park. Pour clôturer la journée, un concours du plus long baiser a eu lieu au milieu du parc ! C'était un grand moment de joie, d'amour et de liberté. Ce couple, qui s'embrassait depuis des heures sous un parasol, ne se souciait manifestement pas des photographes !" ["On June 28, 1970, I attended New York's first...

"On June 28, 1970, I attended the first New York Gay Pride March. The date marks the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which launched the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in the U.S. We left from Christopher Street, a gay cultural mecca in Greenwich Village, and walked up 6th Avenue to Central Park. To end the day, a kissing contest was held in the middle of the park! It was a great moment of joy, love and freedom. This couple, who kissed for hours under an umbrella, obviously didn't care about photographers" (Interview with Clément Thierry, 2021)

"On June 28, 1970, I attended the first New York Gay Pride March. The date marks the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which launched the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in the U.S. We left from Christopher Street, a gay cultural mecca in Greenwich Village, and walked up 6th Avenue to Central Park. To end the day, a kissing contest was held in the middle of the park! It was a great moment of joy, love and freedom. This couple, who kissed for hours under an umbrella, obviously didn't care about photographers" (Interview with Clément Thierry, 2021)

"On June 28, 1970, I attended the first New York Gay Pride March. The date marks the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which launched the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in the U.S. We left from Christopher Street, a gay cultural mecca in Greenwich Village, and walked up 6th Avenue to Central Park. To end the day, a kissing contest was held in the middle of the park! It was a great moment of joy, love and freedom. This couple, who kissed for hours under an umbrella, obviously didn't care about photographers" (Interview with Clément Thierry, 2021)

Original photograph of the first edition of Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary dressed in a signed binding on a library background.
Printed on Premium Luster 270 g, laminated on Dibond (aluminum).
Hanging system on reverse.

Certificate of authenticity provided by Librairie Le Feu Follet.

Photo credits @Librairie Le Feu Follet. All rights reserved.

Original photographic portrait of Sigmund Freud, in silver print made later by Engelman from the original negative.

After the Night of Broken Glass, the young Jewish photographer Edmund Engelman (1907-2000) fled to the United States leaving behind his precious but compromising negatives of his clandestine photography. He did not recover them until after the Second World War, in 1952, from the psychoanalyst's daughter Anna Freud.
Handwritten inscription signed by photographer Edmund Engelman in the lower margin of the photograph: “à Nadine Nimier Cordialement Edmund Engelman” (“To Nadine Nimier Sincerely Edmund Engelman”).
Nadine Nimier was the wife of the writer Roger Nimier. She hosted “Les...