Pasta, Giuditta. (1797 - 1865) [Putinati, Francesco. (1775 - 1848)]
Lifetime Bronze Hommage Medal
Bronze relief 1830 hommage medal to the legendary Diva, inscribed "ALTERNA VICE TRIVMPHANS" around the image of two robed muses placing laurel wreaths on a bust of the singer. Signed PUTINATI and dated MDCCCXXX. Verso with the text "IUDITHAE PASTA / COLL AMPHIONVM / VERONESE / INTER PLAVDENTES / OBSTVPESCENS." 46.5 mm. 38.53 grams. Signed by the eminent medallist Francesco Putinati. Andorfer & Epstein 401. A very rare medal.Pasta was "the acknowledged 'diva del mondo' during the 1820s, famed not only for an extraordinary if flawed voice, but also for the physicality of her performance modes. Her innovative practices contributed to the development and reconceptualisation of opera’s dramatic potential on the early Romantic stage. Making her reputation in roles such as Medea (Mayr) and Semiramide (Rossini), Pasta later inspired the composition of three of the most striking operatic heroines of the period: Amina in La sonnambula (Bellini) and the title-roles of Norma (again Bellini) and Anna Bolena (Donizetti)." (Susan Rutherford, "La Cantante delle Passioni," Cambridge Opera Journal #19-2, 2007, p. 1) (7997)
Ephemera Opera