Famed Italian tenor (1873–1921) whose unprecedented popularity, which extended well beyond the realm of opera, made him the first superstar of the recording era. Vintage matte-finish 3.5 x 5.5 photo of Caruso in character as Johnson from Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West, his costume including riding boots, spurs, and a hat, boldly signed in fountain pen, “Enrico Caruso as Johnson, N.Y. 1911.” The opera, first performed at the Metropolitan Opera House on December 10, 1910, was the first world premiere ever staged at that venue. Though its success in Europe never matched that of Puccini’s earlier runaway hits (hardly a reasonable expectation, given the instant-classic status of such works as La bohème and Madama Butterfly), it enjoyed tremendous popularity in the United States, no doubt in part because of its Gold Rush–related subject matter. A touch of very subtle silvering and wear at edges, otherwise fine, clean condition. A most unusual and desirable signed image the great tenor! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
