Bidspirit auction | [MUSIC AUTOGRAPHS] - FERRUCCIO BUSONI

[MUSIC AUTOGRAPHS] - FERRUCCIO BUSONI (1866–1924) - Signed photographic portrait - FERRUCCIO BUSONI (1866–1924) - Signed photographic portrait. Milan, 1909. Signed photographic portrait by Elliott & Fry, London. Milan, 1909. Original mounted photograph, signed and dated in ink by Busoni. A fine original portrait of Busoni by the celebrated London photographic studio Elliott & Fry, 55 Baker Street, showing the composer and pianist seated, three-quarter length, in formal dress, at the acme of his career. The photograph is boldly signed in ink “Ferruccio Busoni” across the upper portion of the image and additionally inscribed “Milano 1909.” The unusually large and flowing signature occupies a prominent position without substantially obscuring the portrait. A handsome early signed portrait, combining a distinguished studio image by one of Britain’s leading photographic firms with a particularly striking example of Busoni’s autograph. The addition of “Milano 1909” gives the photograph a precise association with the city in which Busoni had launched his professional career as a teacher two decades earlier. Photographer’s printed credit and copyright information on the mount and verso: “Elliott & Fry, Photographers, 55 Baker Street, London W.” Condition: Some age-related spotting, surface wear and minor wear to the corners and edges; otherwise well preserved and highly presentable.