87. Mahler, Gustav. Carte-de-visite photograph inscribed with an autograph poem and signed, in German (4.12 x 2.62 in.; 105 x 67 mm.); some browning, light soiling, mounting remnants on verso not affecting any text.

A handsome photograph of Gustav Mahler with an autograph poem signed on verso.

The photograph by Gebrüder Staeger of Jelau portrays a young Gustav Mahler. The poem on verso by the late-Romantic composer, in full:

Daß Karl oft an mich dank!
Dieß Bildniß ich ihm schenk!;
und mit dem Conterfei
Schenk’ ich mich selbst dabei.
Wär’ dieß nicht wahr: Ein grosser Prahler
war dann der Kleine
Gustav Mahler

As Karl often remembers me
This picture I present him
And with the likeness
Present myself as well
Were this not true: a great braggart
would be little Gustav Mahler

A rare early photograph with charming poetical inscription by the young Mahler to a dear friend. $15,000 - $25,000