Ilya Mechnikov
n.p., n.d.
Ilya Mechnikov Signed Paul Nadar Cabinet Card
Signed Cabinet Card

A cabinet card photograph inscribed and signed in Russian by celebrated Russian scientist Ilya Mechnikov (also known as ?lie Metchnikoff) (1845-1916) in Cyrillic characters outside the image field along the bottom margin. No date but probably ca. early 1900s since the reverse of the cabinet card refers to the 1900 Exposition Universelle held in Paris, France. The sepia-colored photograph is mounted to a thick stock card printed with "P. Nadar / Nadar / Paris" in the margins at top and bottom, referring to the photographic studio of Paul Nadar (1856-1939), son of Nadar [Gaspard-F?lix Tournachon (1820-1910)], the most famous portrait photographer in mid-nineteenth-century France. The reverse, in French, lists the Nadar studio's achievements and advertises their "Electric Light Portraits?Cameras and Photography Furnishings." Expected wear including isolated surface scuffs, and minor grubbiness to the card edges, else near fine. 4.25" x 6.5."

Ilya Mechnikov was awarded a joint Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1908 for his 1882 discovery of phagocytosis, one of the foundational concepts of modern immunology. Phagocytosis is the process by which the immune system's white blood cells isolate, engulf, and destroy foreign particles. Educated in the Russian Empire, Germany, and Italy, Mechnikov held a post at Paris's Pasteur Institute from 1888 until his death. In addition to immunology, Mechnikov's interests extended to the study of probiotics, aging, and gerontology.

Paul Nadar learned photography from his father, Nadar, who had photographed the most prestigious artists, actors, musicians, authors, politicians, and personalities of the day, including Eug?ne Delacroix, Sarah Bernhardt, Claude Debussy, and ?mile Zola. Father and son collaborated in the 1880s and Paul assumed control of his father's photographic studio in 1895.

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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4.25" x 6.5"