Caruso, Enrico

Autograph self-caricature on a sheet of brown paper, (15 ½ x 12 ½ in.; 394 x 318 mm, overall), no place or date, signed and dedicated to Marziale Sisca, ``Al Signor Sisca E. Caruso'', a head and shoulders portrait, in profile, in brown ink, with a high Regency collar;  some paper loss at edges, including a segment lost at the lower-left corner affecting the image. 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.

We believe this is the first known caricature by Caruso, executed at the behest of Sisca. It inaugurated the series of caricatures which lasted until his death and which he drew without charge for Sisca. His friend apparently asked Caruso for a photograph to mark the singer's debut in New York City, and not having one, Caruso provided the caricature instead.