Magnificent 4.25 x 6.25 cabinet portrait of a young Puccini, inscribed in Italian in black ink to singer Romilda Pantaleoni and signed, “Giacomo Puccini, Mliano, 10.2.85.” Published by Pagliano and Ricordi of Milan. In fine condition, with lightly trimmed borders. A year earlier, the unknown Puccini had staged his first opera, Le Villi, at Teatro dal Verme. Despite the fact that the orchestra was made up of mostly conservatory students, the performance was a success; Casa Ricordi purchased it and put it on at La Scala in 1885. The recipient of this photo, Romilda Pantaleoni, played the role of Anna just a month earlier. Combining the notable recipient and the extremely early date—perhaps the earliest known photo signed by the revered composer—this is an extraordinary find.
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