Lot 305
  • 305

G. PUCCINI, TWO AUTOGRAPH LETTERS SIGNED ("GPUCCINI"), TO THE JOURNALIST AND WRITER EUGENIO CHECCHI, 10 NOVEMBER 1897

Estimate
1,200 - 1,500 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Giacomo Puccini
  • Two autograph letters signed (“GPuccini”), to the journalist and writer Eugenio Checchi, 10 November 1897
1) Puccini reminds Checchi that [when he was studying in Milan] he was accompanied by his brother Michele, who died a few years ago in South America, and a cousin who, all together, shared his monthly income of 100 lire, referring to a "famous libretto", telling him that his stepdaughter Fosca is in Florence, and sending him the greetings of his wife Elvira and (jokingly) of himself (“...e io disprezzando sempre più il collega cleptomane ti invio un saluto affettuoso...”), 2 pages, 12mo, printed stationery, autograph envelope, stamp, Torre de Lago 10 November 1897--2) Puccini informs Checchi that he is in Rome, although not chasing women (“...senza intenzioni erotiche...”) and would like to see him, confiding that he has sent him two woodcocks, the last trophies of this year’s hunting, which he dedicates to him, explaining that he does not know how long he will be in Rome and that Ricordi is coming to see him (“...ma lui sempre con intenzioni…”),  1 page, 4to (c.26 x 21cm), [Rome], no date

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."

Catalogue Note

Eugenio Checchi (1838-1932) worked for the Roman daily Il Giornale d’Italia and in December 1897 wrote an article on Puccini in the journal Nuova Antologia. According to Puccini himself, he also contributed some lines to the Act 3 duet in Tosca.