Rare Handwritten Poem by Alexander Blok to be Auctioned for Millions: A Literary Treasure Emerges from Private Collection

A rare, handwritten poem by the celebrated Russian poet Alexander Blok is set to go under the hammer on March 20. The manuscript, measuring 17 by 18.5 cm, is a highly sought-after bibliophilic rarity. This particular autograph, penned by Blok himself, features the poem "Loving women, holding hands..." from 1915, previously published in the newspaper "Utro Rossii". Experts note the exceptional rarity of Blok's handwritten poems outside of books. According to Mikhail Kartashev, an expert in antique book trading at the St. Petersburg branch of the auction house, this is a unique offering on the Russian market. The poem's authenticity has been verified by the Institute of Russian Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences. "A comparative analysis of Blok's handwriting from the 'Tetradi belovykh avtografov' and the handwriting of the examined autograph shows a match in many characteristics. The handwriting analysis of the examined autograph with the handwriting of Blok's later fair copies ensures a complete match," the conclusion states. The starting price for this poetic treasure is estimated at 1.7 million rubles.