12½x9¼" gelatin silver-print photograph, signed by the Fascist dictator and dated "19/5/14" (which was the fourteenth year of the Fascist Era, thus May 19, 1936).

Mussolini ruled Italy as a dictator from 1922 to 1943. He created a fascist state through the use of state terror and propaganda. Using his charisma, total control of the media and intimidation of political rivals, he disassembled the existing democratic government system. His entry into World War II on the side of Nazi Germany made Italy a target for Allied attacks and ultimately led to his downfall and death.