Hans Böhler (Vienna, 1884 - 1961, Vienna)
Caricature Postcard of Gustav Mahler, 15 May 1912
Printed ink on paper
This postcard depicts a caricature of Gustave Mahler standing in profile at the conductor’s podium on a cube-shaped platform. He stands with his knees bent and his upper body leaning slightly forward; his right hand rests on the podium and his left hand is held up in conducting mode. The length of his body, fingers, and head are accentuated in the caricature. He has a full head of dark hair, a pointy chin, and an intense expression. He wears a black tailcoat and pants, and pointy black shoes. The podium is a simple stand resting on three curved legs. The postcard’s handwritten message reads: I would prefer to . . . on Friday – Let’s have the usual dinner on Friday. Across the bottom is written: all the same to ISG. The green 1¢ stamp with the image of George Washington shows cancellation from the Fenway Station, Boston MASS, MAY 15 2 – PM. On the verso the following is handwritten: keep this till I come.
Yellow Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.