Caruso, Enrico

Fine, large, autograph caricature of the baritone Giuseppe de Luca, (34 x 17 in.; 864 x 432 mm),  signed and dated "Enrico Caruso N.Y. 1915,'' a full-length portrait, showing the singer in profile, hand nonchalantly in his pocket, with handkerchief, tie and tie-pin, charcoal over pencil, on brown paper. Mounted, framed, and glazed.

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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Giuseppe de Luca was described by Toscanini as "the best baritone I have ever heard." He premiered in two of Puccini's operas, Sharpless in Madama Butterfly and the title role in Gianni Schicchi. He frequently performed with Caruso who evidently admired him, to judge by this splendid, large caricature, one of the most ambitious ever created by Caruso. We understand that this has never been offered for sale at auction before.

This affectionate and humorous caricature, with its endearing sweetness of face and pinched form, captures the intimacy of the friendship between the two great singers.