Enrico Caruso Signed Caricature in “La Boheme” with Superb Provenance

CARUSO, ENRICO. Sketch Signed, “Enrico Caruso”, in graphite on brown paper board measuring 4.25” x 6.25”, St. Louis, circa May 2, 1919. Some creasing, minor soiling, else Very Good condition.

Accompanied by a “St. Louis Times” newspaper article describing how a St. Louisan named J. S. Bronson came to possess the here offered caricature. The article, in full, “That Enrico Caruso is a cartoonist of no mean attainment is evidenced by the accompanying cartoon of himself, and it was made by the great singer under duress. The original, which is a treasured possession of J. S. Bronson, 4547 McKinley Avenue, and a great admirer of the famous Italian songster, was obtained in an original manner. / It was on the last visit of Caruso to St. Louis several years ago. Bronson, who was a supernumerary, was engaged in conversation with Caruso and was familiar with the opera, ‘La Boheme.’ He also was familiar with Caruso’s ability as a cartoonist. Bronson figured accurately, and when Caruso was ready to make his appearance at his easel he had no pencil that would make a mark large enough for the audience to see that he was really sketching. / Bronson threw himself into the breach and told Caruso he would give him the pencil he had provided if Caruso would sketch himself and give Bronson the drawing. The offer was accepted, and the sketch herewith is the result.” Caruso performed at the St. Louis Coliseum twice; the first, on April 25, 1910, as “Rodolfo” in “La Boheme”, and again, at a concert for Liberty Loans, on May 2, 1919.

Also accompanying the sketch is a 9.5” x 7.5” period photo of 29 gentlemen, one of whom is likely J. S. Bronson, all looking very dapper as they pose on the stairs in front of the U.S. Post Office in St. Louis. Both pieces of provenance have been adhered back-to-back on one sheet of heavyweight paper.

Enrico Caruso (1873-1921) was an Italian operatic tenor. He sang to great acclaim at the major opera houses of Europe and the Americas, appearing in a wide variety of roles from the Italian and French repertoires that ranged from the lyric to the dramatic. Caruso was one of the first major singing talents to be commercially recorded; he made 247 commercially released recordings from 1902 to 1920, which made him an internationally popular entertainment star. Caruso was also a skilled amateur caricaturist who portrayed himself in operatic roles and drew humorous portraits of friends as a release from his stressful professional life.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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