Description:

Otto von Bismarck
n.p., May [?] 21, 1895
Otto von Bismarck PSA GEM MT 10 Dashing Pilartz Cabinet Card
Signed cabinet card
A Pilartz cabinet card photograph of Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898), the former Chancellor of the German Empire, signed and dated in Bismarck's boldly assertive non-modern German cursive outside the image field along the bottom margin. May [?] 21, 1895. N.p. The sepia-colored albumen photograph shows the recently retired Bismarck, turning to the left, wearing a slouch hat and a boutonniere. The pupils and mustache have been discretely enhanced with ink. Embossed in part "Original authentic" in German at lower right. With a gorgeous, full-length pictorial backstamp verso, advertising Jacques Pilartz's Salinenpromenade photo studio in Bad Kissingen, Germany, as well as the firm's numerous awards and prizes. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified and graded GEM MT 10. Expected wear including isolated scuffs and stains, with darkened edges, else near fine. The cabinet card measures 4.25" x 6.5" while the slab measures 6.625" x 10.25."

Jacques Pilartz (1836-1910) was a celebrated court photographer with connections to the royal, ducal, and princely courts of Germany and the Russian Empire. In May 1875, he opened a photo studio on the Saline promenade in the fashionable spa resort town of Bad Kissingen in Bavaria. Pilartz photographed such important political figures as Crown Prince Friedrich (the future Friedrich III), and the Empress Augusta Viktoria of Schleswig-Holstein. Pilartz was apparently Otto von Bismarck's favorite photographer, and Bismarck was one of Pilartz's favorite subjects. Pilartz and Bismarck conducted at least 14 photo sessions in Bad Kissingen, one of which resulted in this portrait.

Bismarck, known as the "Iron Chancellor," served as Chancellor of the German Empire from 1871-1890. During retirement, he worked on his memoirs, "Thoughts and Memories."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: slabbed: 6.625" x 10.25"
  • Medium: Signed cabinet card

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