5 5/8 x 3 1/2 in (14.2 x 8.8 cm)

Provenance and Authentication:
This collectible has undergone a rigorous forensic evaluation. The signatures were carefully analyzed across multiple criteria, including ink deposition, material aging characteristics, stylistic consistency, and historical alignment. The findings provide a sound basis for authenticity and historical context, and the piece is accompanied by comprehensive documentation supporting both its provenance and verification.

This signed portrait postcard of Leo Tolstoy represents an exceptional convergence of literary genius and historical authenticity. Tolstoy, one of the most influential writers in world literature, reshaped the modern novel through works such as War and Peace and Anna Karenina, combining philosophical depth with unparalleled psychological insight. His autograph, executed in a confident and fluid hand, transforms this photographic portrait into a deeply personal artifact tied directly to the author's legacy.

The image itself captures Tolstoy in his later years, presenting him as both thinker and moral authority. His penetrating gaze, long beard, and austere posture echo the intellectual gravity that defined his final decades, during which he emerged not only as a novelist but also as a social critic, spiritual reformer, and ethical philosopher. The placement of the signature directly on the portrait enhances the visual unity of the piece, reinforcing its authenticity and aesthetic coherence.

Signed Tolstoy material is notably scarce, particularly on photographic postcards of this clarity and presence. Unlike letters or book inscriptions, signed portrait postcards offer collectors a powerful visual connection to the subject, combining likeness and signature in a single object. Comparable Tolstoy-signed postcards and photographs have consistently achieved strong results at major international auctions, driven by enduring demand from collectors of literary, historical, and intellectual memorabilia.

Beyond its market appeal, this piece holds substantial academic and cultural significance. Tolstoy's influence extends far beyond literature into political thought, nonviolent resistance, and moral philosophy, impacting figures such as Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Displayed in a private library, study, or institutional collection, this signed postcard serves as a compelling focal point, embodying the intersection of literature, history, and human conscience.

Condition:

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