Signed photograph of the American composer and critic, inscribed to fellow composer David Diamond. He has penned at the lower left: "Diamonds, pearls, saphires [sic]—jewelry always seems to turn up / Virgil Thomson / 1 February 1944 / N.Y.C." Stamped on the verso by the photographer, Renato Toppo of New York. Very slight corner chip; otherwise in very fine condition. 7.5 x 9.5 inches (18.8 x 24 cm).

From the collection of David Diamond, considered one of the preeminent American composers of his generation. He enjoyed wide success in the 1940's and 1950's, before the serial and modernist trends largely pushed him into the shadows. The New York Times described him as "part of what some considered a forgotten generation of great American symphonists, including Howard Hanson, Roy Harris, William Schuman, Walter Piston and Peter Mennin."