RACHEL (1821-1858) French actress unrivaled in classical roles, scoring her greatest triumph as Ph?dre; in Adrienne Lecouvreur, written for her by Legouve and Scribe, she attained immense success; she toured in it in London [and was witnessed by Charlotte Bronte], Brussels, Berlin and St. Petersburg, everywhere meeting with enthusiastic applause; in 1855, while on tour in America, her health gave way; she died of consumption three years later at the age of 37. Extraordinarily rare S.P., a dramatic full-length seated pose, albumen silver print format, about 8-1/2" x 6-7/8", contained in a presentation mat on which she boldly signed "Rachel " with a warm and lengthy dedication in French to "Victor Sejour ," Paris, July 26, 1855. To the left of the dedication appears the obvious ownership stamp of legendary autograph collector Dr. Max Thorek. A few light spots, otherwise in very good condition. $800-1,000