A parcel-gilt silver liqueur set, Ivan Khlebnikov, Moscow, 1885

the circular tray fitted with six beakers and a bottle, engraved with strapwork, the tray with putti and inscribed: 'Au celebre artiste Augusto Broggi/ la Direction de l'Opera Privé a Moscou/ 16 Novembre 1886', 84 standard 

In good overall condition consistent with age.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The artistic career of Augusto Brogi was truly extraordinary. Born in Sesto Fiorentino in 1847 he studied under the famous teachers Romani and Bianchi in Istituto Musicale di Firenze in Florence. In 1871-1872 he successfully made a debut as baritone in Teatro Pagliano (today Teatro Verdi) in the opera "Contessa di Amalfi" by Errico Petrella. After working in theatres of Florence, where he played various leading roles, he moved to Rome to sing in Apollo theatre, then to Milan where he worked in La Scala, Dal Verme and Manzoni theatres, then to Venice to sing in Teatro La Fenice and finally to Bologna to Teatro Comunale.

The lustrous operatic career of Augusto Brogi includes an interesting story with a well known opera "Othello" by Giuseppe Verdi. Called to prepare for the part of Iago, the singer discovered that the tenor role of Othello was closer to his heart. And just like that, after 15 years of being a baritone, Brogi moved on to performing tenor parts which continued for another 15 successful years. The historical chronicles say that the ease with which Augusto Brogi worked, his extremely soft and pleasant timbre, his delivery, classic gestures and interpretation, made it possible for the gifted artist to play a very broad range of roles.

Later on as his career became more and more successful, Brogi also worked in most of the major theatres in Paris, Vienna, St.Petersburg, Stockholm, Pest, Copenhagen, Moscow, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. His wide repertoire included 70 operas with famous parts by Verdi, Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Bizet among his favourites.