An original glossy black-and-white photo o f the great violinist, shown smiling and holding his instrument in a rehearsal. He has signed and inscribed in the bottom white margin with thanks for your generous words.

Isaac Stern was one of the leading violinists of the twentieth century, known for his copious recordings, chamber collaborations, and historic tours of both the Soviet Union and China. He was also instrumental in saving Carnegie Hall from demolition in the 1960s, and its main auditorium now bears his name.

The year Stern signed this photograph saw one of the most memorable performances of his career. During a concert at Israel's Jerusalem Theater, an air raid sounded and prompted panic among the audience, which feared an attack from Iran. Stern, though, simply began playing a Bach movement. The audience quieted, put on their gas masks, and remained seated until he finished.