Very Rare Signed Photograph of Eva Peron, One of the Great Female Politicians of the 20th Century, Who Paved the Way for Women’s Rights Around the World

Also included is a signed photograph of her husband, Juan Peron, President of Argentina

 

Eva Duarte de Peron was one of the greatest woman politicians of the 20th century. She arose from poverty to became the virtual ruler of Argentina and the world’s most powerful woman of her day.

Eva was a popular actress in Argentine films, and basically clawed and scratched her way to the attention of rising military leader Juan Peron. Her brilliant political strategy and speeches made her immensely popular and a true heroine to the poor (her “descamisados,” or “shirtless ones”). In 1945, their cries in the streets for “Peron” (orchestrated by Eva) led to him becoming President. She was only 26 when thus assuming power. Though she nominally ran the Ministry of Labor, she was the real source of power, not he. Her concern for the poor and efforts to aid them were real if somewhat unorthodox – those who came to her asking for money usually came away with cash. This in fact was the Perons’ secret for maintaining their rule – giveaways to supporters. Her Foundation Eva Peron raised huge sums of money, mainly for the benefit of the poor, but to buttress her power as well. Eva set an example of success not only to the poor but to women generally. On a continent where women played no role in politics, she secured for them the right to vote. Though she was loved if not worshipped by millions, she was hated by the army and the wealthy. Eva died of cancer at age 33, yet her legend remained alive and raised her to almost goddess-like stature among the poor, many of whom referred to her as Saint Evita. With her gone, Peron could not hold onto power and was forced into exile. The only women politicians to compare to her in the 20th century were Golda Meir, Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher. Yet Thatcher at age 54 was the youngest of them to reach the summit, and none of the 3 had risen from the poor.

A superb black and white photograph of her, 6.5 by 8.5 inches, 1950, professionally mounted to about 11 by 16 inches, and inscribed and signed on the mat in Spanish “For Mrs. Elsie Haarman, affectionately, Eva Peron.” Haarman was a member of a Texas group which visited Argentina in 1950 on a goodwill tour. Just the finest signed photo imaginable, and an extraordinary rarity.

Evita has been the subject of an immensely popular Broadway musical and then a hit movie. A poignant scene attended the filming of the movie. Madonna, looking like Eva’s double, spoke from the balcony at the Casa Rosada (the Argentine White House) to a cast of thousands of extras. Gazing at her, some older people were overwhelmed and began crying, as if Santa Evita had returned to life and stood before them.

This comes with a 9 1/2 by 13 1/2 inch signed photograph of her husband, Argentine strongman and president, Juan Peron.