José Raúl Capablanca
Cuban chess player, 1888-1942
A chess prodigy, he beat Cuban champion Juan Corzo in a match in 1901. He won the 1911 San Sebastian tournament ahead of players such as Akiba Rubinstein, Aron Nimzowitsch and Siegbert Tarrasch. Capablanca was world chess champion from 1921 to 1927. He lost the title in 1927 to Alexander Alekhine, who had never beaten Capablanca before the match. Following unsuccessful attempts to arrange a rematch over many years, relations between them became bitter. Capablanca excelled in simple positions and endgames, he could play tactical chess when necessary, and had good defensive technique. His style of chess was influential in the play of future world champions Bobby Fischer and Anatoly Karpov.
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Cuban chess player who was world chess champion from 1921 to 1927 (1888-1942). Photograph postcard dated and signed, „J.R. Capablanca". Moscow. 5 1/2x3 3/4 inches; few scattered creases, minor silvering in dark areas, faint scattered soiling, correspondence side blank.
$ 4,943 / 4.500 €
(78177)
Bust portrait by Boris Kudoyarov, showing Capablanca smiling and wearing a hat. Signed in the image in purple ink, lower center. - A chess prodigy, he is considered by many as one of the greatest players of all time, widely renowned for his exceptional endgame skill and speed of play.
Cuban chess player who was world champion from 1921 to 1927 (1888-1942). Autograph letter signed. Havana, Cuba. 4to. 2 pp. On Hotel Packard letterhead.
$ 2,746 / 2.500 €
(92023)
An autographed letter signed by “Raul” to “Ma chere Kikiriki”: “Although I have had no news from you, I am writing to say that things have now changed much and that I do not know yet if I shall be able to leave on the 31st. I rather think not. Had I known 3 weeks ago what I know now I should have told you to come over. The first is here has been a crisis and the Gov. had no money. At first they did not admit it and we were told that it would be a matter of days. Now at last the whole thing has come out and it is all for the best.
– A number of secretaries were changed and the new Secretary of the Treasury has already placed the money for the Foreign Service. Thus I expect to get my money in the next few days. There is yet another point: a few days ago, Congress passed and the President sanctioned a law yielding me 5 thousand dollars for the purpose of arranging the Championship match. Tomorrow or Tuesday I shall see the Secretary of the Treasury about it and I shall then know where I stand. I cannot leave before these matters are settled and if I find that I shall yet have to remain here more than 2 weeks I shall then cable you to come over. If I find that I shall be able to leave within two weeks I shall then write to you to that effect…Our separation this time has been much longer than I expected, but it will be the last, and in any case it has helped to settle everything definitely – I have no doubt your family and friends have been pestering you, but my answer is that they should not meddle…” This letter was most likely written to Olga Evgenyevna Choubaroff, a socialite and self-proclaimed Russian princess who married Capablanca a few months after this letter. His stress about finances and reconnecting with her reference his desire to marry her (seemingly over the wishes of her friends and family) and to make one last attempt to regain his chess title, which he did not. Capablanca and Choubaroff were married until his death in 1942. The letter is in excellent condition..
Cuban chess player who was world champion from 1921 to 1927 (1888-1942). Autograph letter signed. Havana, Cuba. 4to. 2 pp. On Hotel Packard letterhead. With autograph envelope with his signature.
$ 2,746 / 2.500 €
(92024)
An autographed letter signed by “Raul” to “Ma chere Kikiriki”: „Since I wrote you last, I have been very busy. The political and economic crises in Cuba has grown worth and yesterday I was told there was great of having my post eliminated in a ... of the Foreign Service. I believe, however that the danger has been averted, and in a day or two I shall know, definitely, what to do. On Monday I expected to see the President and shall try to obtain his good wishes so as to have all my affairs settled promptly.
Thus next Tuesday I shall be able to write to you what is to be done ally my other affairs have been completely adjusted. Take good care of yourself and see that the boy goes back to school with all his belongings as soon as school opens. […]“ This letter was most likely written to Olga Evgenyevna Choubaroff, a socialite and self-proclaimed Russian princess who married Capablanca a few months after this letter. Fine..