Striking 6.5 x 8.75 photo on an 8.75 x 12.5 mount, signed and inscribed in ink on the mount “Al Maestro Gaspar Villate[, G. Verdi,” and dated 1883 (or ’85). The photo has been affixed to a same-sized card. Gaspar Villate was a Cuban composer who produced abundant and wide-ranging work, mostly centered on opera. In good condition, with complete horizontal break (stabilized by mounting; affecting forehead), all over toning and spotting to image, and very faint vertical scratch to last name. The writing is clear, dark, and otherwise unaffected. Unusual in signed images of this size! JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
