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Alexander von Humboldt

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
Alexander von Humboldt

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Auction Date:2015 May 13 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
German naturalist and explorer (1769–1859) who wrote Kosmos, a massive five-volume study which attempted to unify the various branches of man’s knowledge. Rare oversized engraved portrait of Humboldt as portrayed by French artist Charles-Louis Bazin in 1832, 12 x 15, signed and inscribed in the lower right in ink to “Prof. Dr. Buschmann” on behalf of his brother, “Wilhelm von Humboldt,” and himself, “Al. v. Humboldt,” and dated in Berlin, May 1843. In very good condition, with dampstaining and repairs to the lower left corner, and overall toning.

In addition to its general rarity as a signed image of Humboldt, this piece boasts remarkable associations between him and close associates. His older brother Wilhelm was a notable philosopher and linguist who held great influence in the development of the Prussian education system. The recipient of the photo was most likely Johann Karl Eduard Buschmann, a philologist who worked closely with both brothers, first assisting Wilhelm in his studies of the Kawi language of Indonesia. When Wilhelm von Humboldt passed away in 1835, Buschmann took over the project and was the sole author of the third volume of the work. Alexander von Humboldt then employed him to prepare the original manuscript of Kosmos, his greatest achievement.