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Samuel Clemens ("Mark Twain") Photograph Twice Signed and Inscribed to his wife's personal physician. ...
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Description
Samuel Clemens ("Mark Twain") Photograph Twice Signed and Inscribed to his wife's personal physician. The photograph, 6" x 8", is mounted to an overall size of 10" x 14" and is inscribed above the photo "To Dr. Moffatt - this with the kindest regards of / S.L. Clemens". He adds the aphorism, from "Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar", directly beneath:"Adam was but human - that explains it all. He didn't eat the apple for the apple's sake, but only because it was forbidden. The mistake was in not forbidding the serpent: then he would have eaten the serpent. / Truly yours, Mark Twain Jan. 1903."
Mrs. Clemens' failing health resulted in the family's return to America in 1902 after living abroad. Her health worsened after suffering a heart attack while vacationing in Maine. In an effort to aid her recovery the family engaged different doctors, several of whom prescribed treatments that worsened her state. After one doctor prescribed stimulants that caused two additional heart attacks (see lot 35132 in this auction), the family turned to Dr. Moffat and decided that he alone would provide the best care. The Clemens came to rely exclusively on Dr. Moffat during this difficult time, and it is likely Clemens presented this signed photograph as a heartfelt token of his appreciation (although inadvertently adding a second "t" to his name in the inscription). Mrs. Clemens died of heart failure the following year in June 1904.
The mount is gently toned, minor rippling, and a bit of dampstaining, all well away from the image and inscriptions. Glazed and framed in a simple wood frame (likely the original). With an H. Walter Barnett raised photo stamp, and in near fine condition.
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