Description: Clemens Samuel

Samuel Clemens Signed as Mark Twain, Oversize Photograph

Spectacular oversize photograph, Signed "Mark Twain, Jan/06", showing the author at work on a manuscript, wearing his pajamas and propped up in bed. The black and white photograph, by Underwood and Underwood, New York, is signed boldly on the lower mount and measures 10.75" x 14".

Clemens has been quoted as telling a friend (New York Times, April 12, 1902) that he used to have the notion that there was only one place in the world where he could write. "That was Elmira, where I used to spend all my summers. But I've got over that notion now. I find I can write anywhere." Especially in bed. "Just try it in bed sometime. I sit up with a pipe in my mouth and a boards on my knees, and I scribble away. Thinking is easy work, and there isn't much labor in moving your fingers sufficiently to get the words down."

The bed in question was a masterpiece, at least in Clemens' mind. He and his wife purchased it in 1878 in Venice (Italy) when they were furnishing their new, ruinously expensive three-story Victorian home in Hartford (Connecticut). The master bedroom occupied its own wing on the second floor and the massive, carved Venetian oak dominated the room. It featured a headboard carved into a bas-relief of cupids, nymphs and seraphs, the six-wing angels who guard God's throne. Clemens found it sublime. Today it is one of the most famous furnishings of the Mark Twain House in Hartford.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!