Fan Favorite Kogan, Leonid. (1924–1982) [harcourt] Original Photograph Lighting A Cigarette With Violin In Hand! - Why Pay More? [BgLXExVI]

Striking and highly unusual Harcourt of Paris photograph of the Soviet violinist shown from the side rear, holding his instrument and bow in one hand, cigarette dangling from his mouth, and bending down to replace a matchbook on the ground.  In very fine condition.  7 x 9.4 inches (18 x 24 cm.). 

"After David Oistrakh, Kogan was considered the foremost Soviet violinist, and one of the most accomplished instrumentalists of the day.  Kogan’s approach, however, was more objective, less emotional than Oistrakh’s.  His tone was leaner, his vibrato tighter, his temperament cooler and more controlled.  His intonation was pure and his technical mastery absolute.  He showed his versatility in concert series ranging from the complete Bach solo works to the Paganini Caprices." (Grove Music Online)

“In France, one is not an actor if one has not been photographed by the Harcourt Studio” writes philosopher Roland Barthes in Mythologie (1957).