Ponselle, Rosa. (1897-1981)
Early Signed Photograph
A striking original doubleweight sepia Lumiere photograph, boldly signed and inscribed in white ink by the great soprano and dated March 21st, 1922. One of the finest early images of Ponselle we've seen, this photograph of Ponselle was signed just four years after her historic Metropolitan Opera debut. The image is possibly a studio mockup of her as Leonora, though it might just as likely not be a particular role costume. 7.25 x 9.25 inches and in very fine condition."Ponselle’s voice is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful of the century. She was universally lauded for opulence of tone, evenness of scale, breadth of range, perfection of technique and communicative warmth. Many of these attributes are convincingly documented on recordings. In 1954 she made a few private song recordings, later released commercially, revealing a still opulent voice of darkened timbre and more limited range." (Grove Online) (11843)
Signed Photograph Opera