Lot 142
Gómez y Báez, Máximo - Signed Photo of Cuban Revolutionary Commander Against Spain (1836-1905) Born in Santo Domingo, he joined the Cuban revolution against Spanish rule, and during the unsuccessful Ten Years’ War (1868–78) rose through the ranks to become commander in chief of the Cuban revolutionary forces. When that war ended inconclusively, with a general amnesty and limited concessions to the Cubans, Gómez and other Cuban revolutionary leaders went into exile. Gómez, who was a master strategist, returned to Cuba with José Martí in 1895 to reassume control of of the revolutionary forces. Gómez had hoped that the United States would enter the war to protect American property, which it did, but the result was that the heroics of Gómez and other Cuban revolutionaries were overshadowed. In 1902, when the U.S. gave limited freedom to Cuba, Gómez could have been elected president but chose not to accept public office.
Cabinet photo signed "General M. Gomez" at top left and dated "15 Abril/05" in the lower left border," 6 x 4¾". The albumen photo shows a chest-up portrait of the white-haired, mustachioed general. Small label at lower right of photographer "Urbano Gómez Toro / Habana." Minor toning and a few background specks; some tape on creases on verso. Boldly signed and dated two months before his death. Estimate Value $300 - 400
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| Realized $360 |
