A fantastic example of this famous photograph of the Met's principal Italian baritone in his most celebrated role, inscribed to the great soprano, Lily Pons. The striking oval photograph measures 33 x 23 cm (image) and is in fine condition. Scotti has inscribed the image in white ink: "A Mon chere amie / Lily Pons / Affectueusement / A. Scotti / N.Y. 5 Mar, 1933." In it's original frame, 14.5 x 11.5 inches (37 x 29 cm overall). 


Scotti's 1,213 Met performances between 1899 and 1933 included an astounding 217 Toscas. Though it does not fully come across from his only commercial recording from the opera - Scarpia's Act II address to Tosca ("Già, mi dicon venal") - Scotti was widely celebrated for the powerful intensity he brought to the role, one he performed opposite more than a dozen Toscas, beginning with the opera's U.S. premiere in 1901.


In the week prior to the present inscription, Scotti had attended the Met's 25th Anniversary Celebration for Gatti-Casazza, at which Pons had performed (2/26/33). One month prior, Scotti himself had sung his last performance at the Met ("L'Oracolo" on 1/20/33).