February 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, February 28th, 5pm Pacific

Lot #21:

Perhaps the Only Photograph in Existence That Is Twice-Signed by Charles Dickens -- One of the Few Photographs Taken of the Author in His Lifetime

Incredibly scarce carte-de-visite photograph of Charles Dickens, signed once "Charles Dickens" upon the lower margin with his usual paraph emphasizing the signature, and again signed upon the verso. Photograph, circa early 1860's shortly after the publication of "Great Expectations," is by the photography studio of John & Charles Watkins, with the backstamp showing their 34 Parliament Street address. Photograph captures a somewhat disheveled Dickens in a contrast of both casual and formal attire, standing by an ornate table. It was during Dickens' lifetime that photography became accessible to most people, although the ability to sign a photograph, such as this, wasn't available until the invention of the carte-de-visite printed upon paper. The CDV format became popular during the 1860's, just years before Dickens' death in 1870. As a result, this signed photograph by Dickens came at a brief intersection of the author's life and growing photo technology, making it very scarce. CDV measures 2.5" x 4". In very good condition with light soiling.