Thanks for posting one of Chopin's two known photographs. Very nice (and quick!) of you.
The only other known photo is a daguerreotype and is of poor quality.
At the time of the above portrait, Chopin was living and writing at the country home of his patroness, the French author, George Sand.
In this photo, he's already showing the latter ravages of pulmonary TB, or, as some experts now say, possible cystic fibrosis.
Facial analysts say that the photo displays Chopin's very keen intellect, determination and vision.
The great musician, and my favorite romantic composer, died in 1849 at age 39 in France. He was penniless. However, France gave him a funeral ceremony and cortege comparable to that of royalty.
Chopin is buried in Paris and his grave is covered with flowers from the public every day, summer and winter.
His heart was removed at death, and according to his dying wish is entombed in a Catholic cathedral in his native Poland.
Leni
From “The Pianist”
Chopin’s Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4zh-KGabq4&feature=related