I PURCHASED THIS PHOTO AND MANY OTHERS FROM AN AUCTION HOUSE. BELOW IS THE PROVENANCE THEY PROVIDED....
Provenance: The Jan van Bree collection. Jan van Bree (1938-2024) was a Dutch native, and a prolific autograph collector. His collection began in 1957 when he wrote to the famous Italian singer Beniamino Gigli and received a handwritten reply. That one letter spurred Jan to write to as many famous people as possible, all over the world. From singers to scientists, actors to astronauts. Naturally, Jan also went autograph hunting in-person at major theaters in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Enschede. Hardly any event could pass without Jan obtaining a signature. In later years he also purchased autographs – usually of historical importance – from various trusted dealers and auction houses. His collection spanned around fifty albums, with many hundreds loose. He passed away in April 2024. His lifetime collection is offered here for sale without reserve.