SIGNED BY MARK TWAIN FOR BARBARA ALICE BEARD, THE WIFE OF HIS ILLUSTRATOR, DANIEL CARTER BEARD

TWAIN, Mark. Photograph signed. Hartford, Connecticut, circa 1892. Sepia-toned photograph, measuring 6 by 7-1/2 inches with original mounted on gray board that measures 8 by 10 inches. WITH: Original frame backing containing manuscript provenance. Photo and original mount are matted and framed, measuring 12 by 15 inches. $7800.

Lovely sepia-toned photographic portrait of a middle-aged Mark Twain, seated at his desk and holding a pen, signed on the mount by Mark Twain for presentation to the wife of his illustrator, Daniel Carter Beard.

In this sepia-toned photographic print, Mark Twain is depicted wear a three-piece suit with a watch chain and bowtie. He is seated at his desk and holding a pen, but partially turned toward the camera. This piece is signed on the mount and also contains the backing from the original frame which reads in an unidentified manuscript hand: "This autographed photograph was given to Mrs. Daniel Beard during a visit to Mark Twain's home in Hartford, Conn. [signed] A.S.M. From Dan Beard Collection 8-752." This photograph was presented to Mrs. Barbara Alice Jackson Beard, the wife of Daniel Carter Beard. Daniel Beard served as Mark Twain's illustrator for A Connecticut Yankee and American Claimant. Today, Beard is often better known for his commitment to scouting. Founder of the The Sons of Daniel Boone and The Boy Pioneers of America, he went on to merge his organizations with others to help co-found The Boy Scouts of America.

Signature bold, slight fading to image, rub to top margin of mount. Near-fine condition.