Postcard photograph of the important string quartet, showing violinist Joseph Joachim, cellist Robert Haussmann, violist Emmanuel Wirth, and violinist Karl Halir, all of whom are identified to the lower margin.  In fine condition.  5.5 x 3.5 inches (13.3 x 8.2 cm.).

The Joachim String Quartet was formed in 1869 and quickly gained a reputation as Europe's finest.  It continued to perform until Joachim's death in 1907.  Other members of the Quartet were, Karel Halíř (2nd violin) from 1897 on; Emanuel Wirth (viola) from 1877 on; and Robert Hausmann (cello), from 1879 on.  The Joachim Quartet was particularly known for bringing the late Beethoven quartets to prominence.  At the time, many of Beethoven's late works were still not widely performed, even more than 60 years after the composer's death, and it wasn't until 1903 that the quartet performed all of the Beethoven quartets in a complete cycle.