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1916 Enrico Caruso Signed Hand Drawn Sketch (PSA)
Enrico Caruso was one of the world's first international stars. As a singer for the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Caruso made 863 appearances, both at the Metropolitan Opera House and on tour. Displayed is a Caruso cut, of his hand drawn sketch, signature, and inscription. A tenor who was born in Naples, Italy, Caruso sang professionally from 1895-1920. One of the first singers to make records, Caruso made 247 commercial recordings. At his peak, he could sing a high D-flat. As he grew older, his voice darkened and sometimes he sang almost as a baritone. Roles in Carman, Rigoletto, and La Traviota were just a small part of his repertoire. The famous composer Puccini created the role of Dick Johnson, in La Fanciulla del West, specifically for Caruso. In a disturbing incident near the height of his fame, the Black Hand extorted money from Caruso, but after Caruso paid the criminals $2,000, the Black Hand demanded more, and eventually the New York City Police were called in, and one of their men impersonated Caruso and made a successful arrest. Caruso was adept at handling the money he made from his performances and recordings; he became worth millions of dollars through his shrewd investments. He loved to sketch his friends, and that sketching talent is evident in the offered item. Caruso has used pen and ink to create a sketch of himself that is quite well drawn. The exaggerated chin and eyebrows are done with near professional skill. Again, using pen and ink, Caruso has signed his name and inscribed "Boston 1916." The cut sketch, signature, and inscription measures 2.75x4.5". The item has been encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified as AUTHENTIC AUTO. The cut item has some paper on the back from a previous displaying. The self-portrait, with its Caruso signature and inscription, makes for a very unusual collectible, one that displays Caruso as an artist not only in opera, but also as a visual artist with a flair for pen and ink sketches that spark with originality.
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