Original caricature signed, believed to be of the French composer Paul Dukas (1865-1935)
189 x 149 mm (7.5 x 5.75"). Dated 1913. Blue pen and wash.
Slightly worn and foxed, especially to verso; creased at upper edge and central fold; remnants of adhesive to upper corners of verso.
Together with:
A handsome postcard photograph of Caruso seated, stylishly dressed, with cigarette and cane in hand. 136 x 84 mm., with the name of the photographer's studio (Brogi), printed to lower right edge of recto, the name and London address of the publisher Breitkopf and Härtel and "Printed in Germany" printed to verso. Slightly browned; remnants of adhesive to verso.
While Caruso's self-caricatures are possibly the most desirable to opera collectors, his often insightful drawings of composers, singers, conductors, etc. are also valuable iconographical records. See Sisca: Caruso's Caricatures, NY, Dover 1977, for a comprehensive overview of the caricatures.
"The famous tenor Caruso was a skilled amateur caricaturist who portrayed himself in operatic roles and drew humorous portraits of friends, as a release from his stressful professional life. Since 1903 Caruso had lived in New York for part of each year while performing at the Metropolitan Opera, and sent opera-related caricatures to La Follia, a local Italian-language newspaper." Website of The Metropolitan Opera, New York
"With his original treatment of traditional forms, his highly inventive approach to musical drama, and his importance as a teacher and writer, [Paul Dukas] occupies a central position in French musical history... Dukas was not only an influence on many French 20th-century composers and others such as Zemlinsky and Berg, but also remains important in his own right. His reputation rests on only a small number of compositions, notably the Piano Sonata, Ariane et Barbe-bleue, the ballet La Péri and L'apprenti sorcier. Dukas's influence as a critic, from 1892 to 1932, can be compared with Debussy's; his informed opinions reveal great sensitivity to the musical and aesthetic changes that took place during the period." Manuela Schwartz and G.W. Hopkins in Grove Music Online.
Item #23549
Price: $450.00 other currencies