An original John Engstead studio portrait of Nancy Reagan, warmly inscribed and signed to celebrated Hollywood columnist George Christy, combining presidential history with exceptional Hollywood provenance.

Bibliographic Details

Sitter: Nancy Reagan (1921–2016).
Photographer: John Engstead (1909–1983).
Title: Original Signed Portrait Photograph of Nancy Reagan.
Date: Circa 1970s.
Medium: Original black-and-white gelatin silver photograph.
Authentication: Signed and inscribed in blue ink by Nancy Reagan. John Engstead studio wet stamp to the reverse.
Inscription: "To George, My very best to you – always, Nancy Reagan."
Provenance: From the collection of Hollywood columnist George Christy (1927–2020).
Size: Approximately 25.2 × 20.3 cm.

Condition

Very good overall condition. There is a shallow vertical crease to the lower left portion of the photograph, visible primarily under raking light. Light edge wear and a couple of small corner creases are present. The image remains clean with excellent tonal contrast, while the inscription and signature are bold and highly legible. Please consult the accompanying photographs or request a more detailed condition report.

Description

An elegant original photographic portrait of Nancy Reagan, photographed by the distinguished Hollywood portrait photographer John Engstead and retaining his original studio wet stamp on the reverse. The photograph has been warmly inscribed and signed in blue ink to the celebrated Hollywood columnist George Christy, reading "To George, My very best to you – always, Nancy Reagan."

The recipient, George Christy, was one of Hollywood's best-known society and entertainment journalists. For over a quarter of a century he wrote the immensely popular weekly column A Good Life for The Hollywood Reporter, becoming a familiar figure within the American film industry and a trusted friend of actors, directors, producers and political figures alike. His annual luncheon during the Toronto International Film Festival became legendary, attracting many of the leading personalities of international cinema.

The portrait was taken by John Engstead, one of Hollywood's foremost photographers whose stylish portraits of film stars, public figures and celebrities appeared widely in magazines, publicity campaigns and studio promotions throughout the mid-twentieth century. His refined lighting and elegant compositions helped define the visual identity of Hollywood portrait photography during the period.

Before becoming First Lady of the United States, Nancy Reagan enjoyed a successful acting career in Hollywood, appearing in numerous films during the 1940s and 1950s before marrying Ronald Reagan. Photographs linking her Hollywood years with one of the industry's most influential journalists are increasingly desirable, particularly where they preserve a warm personal inscription rather than a simple signature.

Combining original Hollywood photography, presidential history and outstanding provenance, this is an attractive association piece connecting one of America's best-known First Ladies with a respected and widely admired figure at the heart of California's entertainment community.

Notes

An original John Engstead studio photograph with excellent provenance, personally inscribed to Hollywood columnist George Christy. A desirable combination of Hollywood memorabilia, presidential history and autograph collecting.