December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
World-famous Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso's hand-drawn sketches. Best known for his signature role as Canio in ''Pagliacci,'' Caruso was also a pioneer in recorded sound, selling a million records at the dawn of the medium. More obscure was his passion for visual art, a medium he became quite accomplished at over his lifetime. This is a collection of 39 caricatures, mostly of Caruso, but also his friends and co-stars circa 1917, likely in character in various productions. While several sketches are signed and dated, his distinctive drawing style is evident in every piece. The ink or pencil sketches are all attractively matted singularly or in pairs on 32 boards. The subjects include men and women, and are often rendered on hotel stationery from the Plaza Hotel in Buenos Aires, or from the Lloyd Sabaudo yacht line. Sketches range in size from approximately 4'' x 5'' to 8.5'' x 12''. Mats measure 10.5'' x 14.5'' uniformly and come housed in a custom red velvet box with cream silk moire lining and Caruso's name embossed in gilt to the cover. Toning with some light foxing or staining to some sketches. In very good condition overall. A beautiful, large collection of Caruso's art.
Extraordinary Collection of Art by Enrico Caruso -- The Opera Great, Also Known for His Sketches, Here Draws 39 Portraitures, Many Self-Portraits
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