HEIFETZ, JASCHA. (1901-1987). Russian-born, American violinist. Heifetz began his musical lessons at age three and was performing outside his native Russia by eleven. SP. (“Jascha Heifetz”). 1p. 8vo. N.p., December 4, 1913. A magnificent and early photograph of 12-year-old Heifetz dressed in a sailor suit and holding his violin, perhaps the 1736 Tononi given him by his father. The Russian photographer studio’s name is blind stamped in the upper right portion of the photo. Heifetz has added his inscription in Russian on the photographer’s mount “In fond remembrance of Adam Fadeevich, Vylezhinskii, from Jascha Heifetz, 4/XII/ 1913.”

On October 27, 1917, having fled the Russian Revolution by way of Serbia, Heifetz made his memorable American debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall. He is celebrated for his conscientious musical interpretations as well as his flawless technical and tonal abilities.

The image is lightly silvered, otherwise in very fine condition and particularly rare from this early period.