Original photograph of Ravachol flanked by gendarmes, period albumen print mounted on card with a red border, bearing the handwritten caption « Ravachol à Montbrison » at the foot.
This image was taken by Auguste Berthon, a photographer based in Saint-Étienne, on the eve of Ravachol’s execution, during a walk in the prison yard at Montbrison. This promenade is mentioned in the surveillance reports of the Conciergerie: « Le détenu a été conduit à la promenade à 8 heures, a déjeuné à 9 heures et est retourné à la promenade de 10 heures à midi où il était encore lorsque nous avons été remplacés. » (11 May 1892)
Very skilful restora
Superb original photographic portrait of Ravachol taken by Alphonse Bertillon, contemporary print on albumen mounted on bristol board.
Extremely rare handwritten caption signed by the most famous of the French anarchists, written in his hesitant and naive handwriting, at the bottom of the photo: “1er mai 1892 Koningstein [sic] Ravachol” “1st May 1892 Koningstein [sic] Ravachol”.
The spelling Koningstein chosen by Ravachol differs from his father's surname (Königstein). This variation confirmed by the Maintron (Biographical dictionary of the social and labour movement) is found in particular in a piece of his writing by hand dated 13 April 1892 and kept at the Conciergerie.
“ Un c
Autograph letter signed on four pages, dated 12 November 1851. 124 lines in black ink.
This letter is presented in a chemise and slipcase with paper boards decorated with abstract motifs, green morocco spine, green suede doublure, slipcase with morocco spine and matching paper boards signed by Thomas Boichot.
Unpublished autograph letter on progress, signed by Pierre-Joseph-Marie Proudhon, major figure in French social thought, and “the father of anarchy
First edition, one of numbered copies on alfa.
A good copy.
Autograph inscription from Irène Némirovsky to monsieur Maier.
