Karl Muck
photographer
Jos. Paul Böhm
(active Munich, early 20th century)
Dateabout 1920
Place MadeMunich, Bavaria, Germany, Europe
MediumGelatin silver print
Dimensions13.9 x 8.8 cm (5 1/2 x 3 7/16 in.)
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberP1w18
eMuseum ID727743
EmbARK ObjectID24415
TMS Source ID8910
Last Updated8/9/24
Status
Not on viewWeb CommentaryIsabella Stewart Gardner was fiercely loyal to the musicians she championed, including Boston Symphony Orchestra musical director Karl Muck (1859-1940). A Swiss citizen, Muck found himself at the center of controversy during World War I, when he initially failed to include the “Star Spangled Banner” during performances. His national loyalties were questioned in the press. Muck was arrested in March 1918 and deported with his wife one year later. Gardner was outraged and expressed her support for the Mucks at a cost to her reputation; undaunted, she maintained her friendships with them to the end of her life.
MarksNotesSigned in ink (over photo): D. Karl Muck
Printed in ink (bottom center): DR. KARL MUCK / GENERALMUSIKDIREKTOR/ Photo Jos. Paul Böhm München
Inscribed and signed in black and purple ink (verso): We have been here but ten days. Opera splendid but poor Dr. Muck looks very ill. He signed this P-Cd & sends his greetings. Many of your old friends send love and wish you were in Munich. Love, D(sic) B(sic), Esther Welles, George Eustis, Rosamond Eustis, Sumner Welles.
Printed in ink (bottom center): DR. KARL MUCK / GENERALMUSIKDIREKTOR/ Photo Jos. Paul Böhm München
Inscribed and signed in black and purple ink (verso): We have been here but ten days. Opera splendid but poor Dr. Muck looks very ill. He signed this P-Cd & sends his greetings. Many of your old friends send love and wish you were in Munich. Love, D(sic) B(sic), Esther Welles, George Eustis, Rosamond Eustis, Sumner Welles.
ProvenanceNotesGift from Esther (Slater) Welles (b. about 1892) and diplomat Sumner Welles (1892-1961), George (b. about 1865) and Rosamond Eustis, Munich around 1920.
