CÉLINE, Louis-Ferdinand (1894-1961)

CÉLINE, Louis-Ferdinand (1894-1961)

Period film print
[Winter 1944, Berlin area?], 5,9 x 9 cm
Tiny flaws on surface

Vintage print of the writer with autograph annotation

This unusual print depicts Louis-Ferdinand Céline from the bust, his face facing three-quarters to the left. With heavy eyelids and pursed lips, the writer seems to have been caught “in the moment” and not posing in front of the camera.

On the back of the print, Céline writes:
“Chez les Nibelungen police”

This portrait dates from the winter of 1944, in Northern Germany, when Céline tried to pass through Denmark via Rostock, before returning to Sigmaringen. He sent it to several correspondents. This photograph is addressed in particular to Doctor Alexandre Gentil, a military doctor and close to the Destouches couple’s entourage.

In another copy of this print, reproduced in Céline 1944-1961 (François Gibault), Céline sheds more light on the circumstances in which this portrait was made: “Photo taken by the German police of Neurupin Prussia at the office of Krantzlin 1944 LF”

Precious Celinian relic