PIAF EDITH: (1915-1963) French Singer.

An exceptional vintage signed and inscribed 7 x 9 photograph by Piaf, the close-up portrait depicting Piaf in a very early pose. The promotional Polydor image, dating from around 1935/36, bears the printed caption Môme Piaf ('Little Sparrow') and is signed and inscribed by Piaf with an early form of her signature in bold black fountain pen ink to a clear area at the head of the image, 'Pour Maurice Detaille avec toute ma grande amitie, Edith Piaf'. Signed photographs of Piaf from this very early stage of her career are extremely rare, and the present example also has a good association. EX

Maurice Detaille - French Impresario associated with the ABC Music Hall in Paris in the 1930s and whom also had a professional relationship with Edith Piaf (as well as other French stars including Charles Trenet and Marie Dubas, herself an inspiration for Piaf).

Piaf, the French cabaret singer, songwriter and actress, became widely regarded as France's national chanteuse, as well as being one of her country's greatest international stars. Her music was often autobiographical with her singing reflecting her life and particularly the elements of love, loss and sorrow. Piaf has acquired a legacy as one of the greatest performers of the 20th century and her voice and music continue to be celebrated globally.