![Gieseking, Walter. (1895-1956) [Mertens, André. (1904?-1963)] Autograph Inscription with Lipnitzki Photograph](http://www.schubertiademusic.com/cdn/shop/files/Gieseking_2BWalter_2BMertens_2BSP_2B14352_2B001-2.jpg?v=1722188758)
Gieseking, Walter. (1895-1956) [Mertens, André. (1904?-1963)]. Autograph Inscription with Lipnitzki Photograph.
The important musical manager André Mertens began his career as the directory of the State Ministry of Fine Arts in Germany, before fleeing to the USA in 1933. There he became the founder of Columbia Artists Management and played an important role in developing the careers of artists such as Leontyne Price and Renata Tebaldi. In the post-war years, he also served as a link between the musical worlds of the USA and Europe, facilitating American tours for European orchestras under Karajan, Walter, Bernstein, and others, and recommending young American artists for European opera houses. After his death in 1963, his work was continued by his wife Clara, who also made several generous institutional bequests in his name, including the André Mertens Galleries for Musical Instruments at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
An original photograph of the German pianist, specialist in Debussy, with a card (previously mounted to the lower edge of the photograph) inscribed to impresario and Columbia Artists manager André Mertens. Photographed by Lipnitzki of Paris. Some light mounting remnants on the verso and lower edge; overall in fine condition. Photograph 7 x 9 inches (17.9 x 22.3 cm); signed card 7 x 2.5 inches (18.2 x 6.4 cm).
Gieseking, Walter. (1895-1956) [Mertens, André. (1904?-1963)]. Autograph Inscription with Lipnitzki Photograph.
The important musical manager André Mertens began his career as the directory of the State Ministry of Fine Arts in Germany, before fleeing to the USA in 1933. There he became the founder of Columbia Artists Management and played an important role in developing the careers of artists such as Leontyne Price and Renata Tebaldi. In the post-war years, he also served as a link between the musical worlds of the USA and Europe, facilitating American tours for European orchestras under Karajan, Walter, Bernstein, and others, and recommending young American artists for European opera houses. After his death in 1963, his work was continued by his wife Clara, who also made several generous institutional bequests in his name, including the André Mertens Galleries for Musical Instruments at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
An original photograph of the German pianist, specialist in Debussy, with a card (previously mounted to the lower edge of the photograph) inscribed to impresario and Columbia Artists manager André Mertens. Photographed by Lipnitzki of Paris. Some light mounting remnants on the verso and lower edge; overall in fine condition. Photograph 7 x 9 inches (17.9 x 22.3 cm); signed card 7 x 2.5 inches (18.2 x 6.4 cm).