Carlos Prio Socarras & Aquiles Capablanca Original Cuban Presidential Palace Photo c. 1949-52

Original Cuban Presidential Palace Photograph – Carlos Prío Socarrás and Aquiles Capablanca

Original vintage Cuban photograph documenting a New Year's reception at the Presidential Palace in Havana during the presidency of Carlos Prío Socarrás (1948–1952).

The photograph shows Cuban President Carlos Prío Socarrás greeting guests at an official reception.

Of particular historical interest, the original typewritten identification label preserved on the reverse identifies several participants, including:

Carlos Prío Socarrás – President of Cuba
Guillermo Alonso Pujol – Vice President of Cuba
Dr. José R. O'Farrill
Architect Aquiles Capablanca

Aquiles Capablanca Graupera was a prominent Cuban architect and professor associated with Cuba's modern architectural movement. He designed the celebrated Tribunal de Cuentas building in Havana and was the brother of Cuban chess legend José Raúl Capablanca, World Chess Champion from 1921 to 1927. His professional prominence as an architect is independently documented in contemporary Cuban architectural publications.

The reverse retains its original typewritten descriptive label together with a Departamento Fotográfico – Palacio Presidencial marking, providing valuable period identification and institutional provenance.

Historical significance

This photograph brings together several important aspects of mid-20th-century Cuban history:

Cuban Presidency • Carlos Prío Socarrás • Presidential Palace • Aquiles Capablanca • José Raúl Capablanca family • Cuban architecture • Cuban chess history • Pre-Revolution Havana

It is particularly interesting as a documented image connecting the administration of President Prío with Aquiles Capablanca, a significant figure in Cuban architecture and brother of one of Cuba's most internationally celebrated historical personalities.

CONDITION

Original vintage photograph in distressed condition.

The photograph shows substantial age and handling wear, including heavy creasing, cracking, folds, edge and corner losses, surface wear, staining and old adhesive/tape residue.

The reverse exhibits considerable paper and adhesive residue together with the original typewritten identification label and institutional photographic marking.

No restoration has been performed.

Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition. The photograph is sold exactly as shown.

Despite its condition, the surviving period identification and Presidential Palace provenance substantially contribute to its historical interest.

Original period photograph — not a modern reproduction.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Country: Cuba
Location: Presidential Palace, Havana
Period: Carlos Prío Socarrás presidency, 1948–1952
Occasion: New Year's Reception
People identified: Carlos Prío Socarrás, Guillermo Alonso Pujol, José R. O'Farrill, Aquiles Capablanca
Photographic source: Departamento Fotográfico, Palacio Presidencial
Type: Original historical photograph
Language on label: Spanish
Condition: Distressed / damaged vintage condition