Schweitzer Albert
Albert Schweitzer Signed Photo Dedicated to Eleanor Roosevelt, Ex-Forbes

A photograph fully engrossed with 20+ words in the hand of Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), and signed by him as "Albert Schweitzer" near bottom. The glossy, black and white snapshot shows the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné in present day Gabon (formerly French Equatorial Africa). The handwriting at the bottom is faded but legible. A few wrinkles and other imprints, else near fine. 3.5" x 5". Ex-Forbes Collection.

Schweitzer's pride in his accomplishments is evident in his inscription to former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (with original spelling and punctuation):

"Mon hôpital vu de la rive du fleuve Ogooue.


A Madame Eleanor Roosevelt


avec mes bonnes pensées


Albert Schweitzer


Lambarene 5 décembre 1961."

Translation:

"My hospital seen from the bank of the Ogooué River


To Madame Eleanor Roosevelt


with my good wishes


Albert Schweitzer


Lambaréné December 5, 1961."

Schweitzer a trained physician, and Helene Bresslau Schweitzer, his anesthetist wife, had traveled to the Paris Missionary Society’s mission at Lambaréné in 1913 to establish a hospital. The Hôpital Albert Schweitzer opened the same year and operated on revenue generated by Schweitzer’s organ concerts and other fundraising efforts. Schweitzer would divide his time between the hospital and Europe for the next fifty years. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 in recognition of his lifetime commitment to charitable work. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt would have recognized and appreciated Schweitzer's philanthropy, so akin to her own.

Provenance: Ex-Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), the American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine and a consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial autograph collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in a series of multi-million dollar sales by Christie's in the early 2000s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance, especially when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.

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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