Magnificent vintage 13 x 17.5 original oversized panel card photo of Bernhardt as Hamlet, by Lafayette Studios, signed and inscribed in fountain pen in French on the lower portion of the mount. Lafayette studio has one of the oldest histories of any photographic business in the world. In 1887 James Lafayette was invited to Windsor to photograph Queen Victoria and was granted a Royal Warrant as 'Her Majesty's Photographer in Dublin.' This Royal Warrant, which was subsequently renewed by King Edward VII and George V, conferred enormous prestige. In fine condition, with small portions of signature and inscription a couple shades light, but legible, a couple creases to bottom edge lightly affecting first name of signature, some light wear to mount and a spectacular crystal clear image. R&R COA.
