Description:

IGNACE J. PADEREWSKI
Fine association signed etching, 6 1/2" x 9 1/4" (sight), an etching of the distinguished pianist shown three-quarter length with arms folded, boldly signed at bottom in dark ink: I. J. Paderewski" adding an ornate paraph. Matted and set into a simple frame. What distinguished this signed image is an accompanying Apr. 29, 1893 letter by principal E. A. Potter on the letterhead of "Lyon, Potter & Co. Steinway Pianos" in Chicago. Potter presents this signed engraving to a "Mr. Ellsworth", noting: "...I have prized it very highly...[I] know it will pass to appreciative ownership of one whose acquantance I am just learning [to] estimate at its true value...". Steinway sponsored Paderewski's frenetic 1892-93 tour in which he played 75 concerts, the last of which was scheduled for the opening day of Chicago's World Columbian Exposition on May 1, 1893 - two days after Potter sent the engraving to Ellsworth. President Grover Cleveland was to speak at the opening, and Paderewski was set to perform. However, a furor arose over the use of a Steinway, with Chicago's Kimball Pianos insisting that their piano be used - against Paderewski's wishes. A national commission was convened, and it was only on the day of the opening that Paderewski's Steinway - now at the Smithsonian - was finally approved. The mysterious "Ellsworth" could have been no other than James W. Ellsworth, Director of the World Columbian Exposition!

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September 28, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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