Italian composer (1813–1901) who takes a place among the most influential figures in the history of opera, and whose works, including such classics as Rigoletto, La Traviata, and Aïda, are a cornerstone of the genre. Superb 6.75 x 9.5 cabinet photo of an elderly but jaunty Verdi with a faint smile, holding an umbrella and with his hand in his pocket, signed in ink on the image, “Al Napoleone de Montecatini Melani, G. Verdi, 20 luglio [July], 1900.” The inscribee was the owner of an inn where Verdi stayed during a summer sojourn in Montecatini. Subtle (evidently original) streaking and mottling to emulsion, trimming to left edge (slightly touching background of image) and slightly irregular adhesion to ink, otherwise fine condition. One of the most impressive Verdi images we’ve ever encountered! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
