Details
MUSSOLINI, BENITO (1883-1945). Large photograph signed and dated ("Benito Mussolini Roma 7 sett. - 1928 - VI"), n.p., n.d. [circa 1928]. 350 x 175 mm. (14½ x 6 7/8 in.), mounted on heavy card, two vertical creases, soiled; matted. A full-length portrait of "Il Duce" in military regalia, signed (in the sixth year of his regime) on the lower margin.
"The bombastic Italian dictator styled himself in the mold of the Roman caesars and had ambitions to match. He joined with Hitler as junior partner in a pact to carve up Europe and Africa, and met with the same bloody end as some of his ancient predecessors. (This autographed photograph was hanging in the office of the Italian commandant and was confiscated when the British took Tobruk in 1941. This is noted on the verso by the person who recovered it)" --W.M.
"The bombastic Italian dictator styled himself in the mold of the Roman caesars and had ambitions to match. He joined with Hitler as junior partner in a pact to carve up Europe and Africa, and met with the same bloody end as some of his ancient predecessors. (This autographed photograph was hanging in the office of the Italian commandant and was confiscated when the British took Tobruk in 1941. This is noted on the verso by the person who recovered it)" --W.M.