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Italian composer (1858–1919) best known for his operas, particularly the beloved repertoire staple Pagliacci (1892). Dignified 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet portrait by Guigoni & Bossi of Milan, showing the composer wearing an impressive handlebar mustache, vertically signed and inscribed in violet fountain pen along the right edge, dating May 31, 1897, then adding several bars from I Medici. Light soiling to edges and scattered trivial surface marks, otherwise fine condition.
Leoncavallo’s opera, ‘I Medici,’ debuted in Milan in November 1893. His decision to pen music from this particular work is interesting as the opera was not considered a success and never became part of his standard repertoire—unlike ‘La boheme,’ which coincidentally had premiered in Venice a few weeks before this portrait was signed and confirmed the composer’s gifts. A handsome pose with musical association. Provenance: The Barry Hoffman Collection. RRAuction COA.
