SCHWEITZER, Albert (1875–1965). Autograph picture postcard, signed, Lambaréné (Gabon), 23 September–9 October 1953, to Denise Ewald ; in german.

Oblong postcard (148 × 104 mm).

Fine annotated postcard showing the islands and branches of the Ogooué River and the location of the Lambaréné hospital, with Schweitzer’s handwritten cross marking the site and an added line indicating a route he personally traced. The card is accompanied by a warm and affectionate autograph message to Denis Ewald, recalling their correspondence and sending friendly greetings.

On the picture side, Schweitzer explains that the cross marks the position of the hospital and that the line was drawn by himself. On the verso, he sends a cordial and personal message, expressing his pleasure at being able to send him greetings, mentioning his letter, and evoking with emotion his image of his beloved “Rhena”, which vividly brings his memory back to him. The text concludes with a fully signed autograph subscription, “Albert Schweitzer.”

Recto : 
"Die Inseln und Arme des Ogowe. +bezeichnet den Platz wo das Spital liegt. Der meine Streifen ist den von mir gernauer te [?]. aschweitzer" (Translation: The islands and branches of the Ogooué River. The cross indicates the location of the hospital. The line I added is one I drew myself. A. Schweitzer)

Verso : 
Paragraphe 1 : "In altum stoBburger - und mit [?] [?] - [?] [?] schaftlichen Gedenken.... Mit gatene Wünschen - [?] [?]." (Translation: With deep respect and fond memories... with best wishes...)
Paragraphe 2 : "Liebe Denis Ewald, Wie schön, [?] salagenbit habe. Ihnen einen hèbes grusszusenden eist Ihe [?], die eil mir nitiere für den Fall, [?] sinmal in den tähe bin. Ihr Bild von meiner [?] Rhena ist mir [?] eine Eminenzan Sie. Mit lieben gedanken Ib ergebener. albert schweitzer" (Translation: Dear Denis Ewald, How nice it is to be able to send you my warmest regards. Your letter, which you wrote to me in case I should ever be in the area, touched me deeply. Your picture of my dear Rhéna is very precious to me and brings back vivid memories of you. With affectionate thoughts, your devoted friend, Albert Schweitzer).

Albert Schweitzer, theologian, philosopher, organist, humanitarian and physician, founded the hospital at Lambaréné in Gabon and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 for his philosophy of the “Reverence for Life”.

An attractive and intimate document, combining a topographical view of Lambaréné with a personal testimony from one of the great moral figures of the twentieth century.