Liszt, Franz. (1811–1886). Three Original Photographs, Given by Liszt to Portrait Bust Sculptor. A very special collection of three original photographs of the great pianist and composer. According to the notes on the verso of each image, these photographs were personally given by Liszt himself to the artist Isabella G. Gifford in Florence, Italy in 1874 for use in the portrait bust she was sculpting of the composer. A published letter from 1873 from the prominent sculptor Erastus D. Palmer, confirms that the Syracuse-born artist Gifford was indeed in Florence during this period and discusses a different portrait bust of hers, describing it as “a work of extraordinary excellence; strong, truthful, and subtle in execution.” (J. Carson Webster, “Erastus D. Palmer: Sculpture - Ideas” (1983), p. 304). We have not been able to determine if Gifford did indeed complete a bust of Liszt.


Cabinet Photograph, composer at keyboard.


* Approximately 6.5" (16.5cm) by 4.25" (11cm)


* Notation on front (printed): Franz Hanfstaengl, KGL Preuss, Hof Photograph, Munchen


* Notation on back (handwritten): Franz Liszt, 1874, Given to Isabella G. Gifford by Liszt himself--to use in modeling his bust. In Florence, Italy


CDV Photograph, composer bust portrait.


* Approximately 4" (10.2cm) by 2.5" (6.4cm)


* No notation on front


* Notation on back (printed): Fritz Luckhardt, k.k. Hofphotograph, Wien, Leopoldst, Taborstr. 18. National Hotel


* Notation on back (handwritten): I.G. Gifford Aug 1874, Given to I.G.G. by Liszt--Franz Liszt (this is not an autograph)


CDV Photograph, composer wearing cape


* Approximately 4" (10.2cm) by 2.5" (6.4cm)


* Notation on the front is covered with tape residue


* Notation on back (printed): Montabone, Fotografo Di S. M., Firenze, Via dei Banchi, 3.


* Notation on back (handwritten): Franz Liszt, Florence, 1874, Isabella G. Gifford