Unsigned Opera Photos

Large size curtain call photo of a production of Verdi's Aida by Chicago Opera on tour at New York Hippodrome on June 27th, 1933.  Stamped on verso by Standard Flashlight Co., New York.  Size is 20.1 x 12 inches, some cracks and creases, in good condition.

French tenor (1861-1933) whose real name was Raymond Gourron, debuted in 1886 at the Opera of Ghent as Faust in Gounod's opera.

Group of 20 unsigned photos depicting singers in role, from the Arena di Verona opera in Italy, from the 1950s to the 1980s.  Most 7 x 9 inches, several noteworthy artists including Giulietta Simionato, Renato Bruson, and Piero Cappucilli, all in very good condition. Sold only as lot. 

Lot of 29 beautiful unsigned photographs from opera productions at Arena di Verona during the 1960s. Productions include operas such as Aida (1968 & 1963), Norma (1965), La Traviata (1965), Don Carlo, Lucia di Lammermoor (1968), Il Trovatore (1968), Aida (1968) La Forza del Destino (1967), Turandot (1969), Lohengrin (1963), and others.  Most of them are in black and white (only 2 are in color) and stamped on verso by the photographer. Size for each one is 9.4 x 7.2 inches approximately, all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY. 

Set of 11 original, unpublished pictures of a performance of Lohengrin and Parsifal, Bayreuther Buhnenfestspiele, 1936 and 1937. Rare pictures taken from the audience, each one is 4.5 inches x 3.25 inches, mounted on a 7.25 x 5.5-inch white cardboard. Rare photographic documentation of the Bayreuth Festival during the infamous Nazi-period in Germany. In excellent condition - sold as a lot only. 

Set of 2 tri-fold photo postcards, showing many opera singers associated with the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow circa the 1920s. Shown as themselves. Unfolded the total size would be roughly 4 x 16 inches. Small smudges on verso, each of the sides containing the photos are in very good condition. Not sold separately.

Italian dramatic soprano (1905-1979), one of the leading sopranos of the 1930s and 1940s, who recorded frequently with Beniamino Gigli. Group of 14 unsigned photos, shown in role mostly at La Scala, Milan. Most are 4 x 5.75 inch photo postcards, but also several larger items, ranging from 6.5 x 9 to 8 x 10 to one at 8 x 10.75 inches. All in excellent condition, sold only as lot. 

Italian superstar tenor (1873-1921) who left an impressive record legacy, and performed in the most important operatic theaters of Europe and America. Set of 6 amazing unsigned photo postcards of him (mostly as himself). Each photograph is 3.3 x 5.3 inches approximately; all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Russian bass (1873-1938) who enjoyed and important international career at major opera houses.  Original unsigned large photo shown in the title role of Massenet's Don Quichotte, a role he created in the world premiere in Monaco (1910); signed in pencil by photographer Berton and dated by him in October 13th, 1928.  Size is 11.75 x 15.2 inches, minor damage on borders, otherwise in very good condition.

Russian bass (1873-1938), exceptional, larger size, Russian cabinet photo, shown as Prince Vyazminsky in Tchaikovsky´s opera "Oprichnik", a role he performed when young, in Russia.  Size is 5.25 x 8.4 inches, ink stamp as well as blind stamp on front by Russian photographer V. Chekhovsky, in excellent condition on front, verso has minor damage at the top by tape (removed), pencil markings, in very good condition. See scans.  

Lot of 17 beautiful photographs of regular performers of the Chicago Lyric Opera shown on/off stage; all photographs are stamped on verso by photographer Nancy Sorensen. Artists include Nicolai Ghiaurov, Boris Christoff, Richard Tucker, Hans Hotter, Jean Madeira, and others.  Each one's size is 8 x 10 inches, conditions range from very good to excellent. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Leading French-Italian dramatic soprano (1900-2001), active from the late 1920s through the 1940s. Group of 7 unsigned photos, shown in role in Norma, Gioconda, Ballo in Maschera, and Traviata, and as herself. Sizes range from 5 x 7 inches to 8 x 9.5 inches, in excellent condition, sold only as lot. 

Star Italian tenor (1921-2003) who had a major international opera career between 1951 and 1976. Associated in particular with spinto and dramatic roles of the Italian repertory, he was celebrated universally for his powerhouse voice, electrifying top notes, clear timbre, very elegant and passionate singing, and remarkable performances. Lot of 12 beautiful black and white photographs of the Metropolitan Opera production of Puccini's La Boheme starring Franco Corelli as Rodolfo; stamped on verso by photographer Erica Davidson, New York.  Each one's size is 7.1 x 4.8 inches, all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Star Italian tenor (1915-1982), considered one of the greatest voices of the 20th Century. Nice lot of 39 rare unsigned photos of him, in various sizes (from 3 x 4 inches up to 5 x 7 inches, with around a dozen being in the larger size, the rest in 3.5 x 5.5 inches and smaller). Lots of casual, unusual photographs, some on stage shots. All real photos on photo paper, not postcards, in very good condition. Click on thumbnails to see scans.  

Star Italian tenor (1915-1982), considered one of the greatest voices of the 20th Century. Nice lot of 40 rare unsigned photos of him, in various sizes (from 3 x 4 inches up to 5 x 7 inches, with most being around 3.5 x 5.5 inches). Lots of casual, unusual photographs, some backstage. All real photos in photo paper, no postcards, in very good condition. Click on thumbnails to see scans.

Star Italian tenor (1915-1982), considered one of the greatest voices of the 20th Century. Small group of 6 original unsigned photos, shown in various roles, all stamped on verso by Teatro La Scala, photographer E. Piccagliani, except one, in Aida, stamped on verso by photo Bisazza, Verona. Each one is 7 x 9.5 inches, except the last scan, which is 4 x 5.75 inches - all in excellent condition. Sold as a lot only - not sold separately.

Nice set of 7 unsigned photo postcards of opera scenes and characters from Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen issued by the Berlin State Opera, all of them probably from the 1930s. Each one's size is 3.4 x 5.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Star Italian tenor (1921-2008), admired for his extremely beautiful voice, partner of Maria Callas and Tito Gobbi on stage and in most of her studio recordings.  Lot of 11 original unsigned photos, all in role, each one stamped on verso by photographer E. Piccagliani, La Scala, Milan. Each photo is 7 x 9.4 inches, except the last one that is 4.1 x 5.75 inches, all in excellent condition. Sold as a lot only - not sold separately.

Group of 9 postcards, 1930s, 4 x 5.75 inches, all from Meistersinger von Nurnberg, including Camilla Kallab, Josef Greindl, Eugen Fuchs, Erich Zimmermann, Fritz Krenn, Ruth Berglund, Maria Muller (2 different postcards) and Martin Kremer, all in excellent condition.

Russian contralto (1868-1919). Unsigned mini cabinet photo, shown in role. Size is 2.5 x 4.25 inches, in very good condition.

Superstar Spanish tenor (b. 1941), lot of 15 unsigned photos, as himself, with family and with colleagues, taken by photographer Erika Davidson, New York. All stamped on verso by Erika Davidson. Sizes range from 5 x 8 inches to 8.5 x 11 inches, most are 8.5 x 11. All in excellent condition, sold only as lot.

Group of 56 unsigned photos mostly taken from English opera houses including Royal Opera, London, English National Opera, Sadler's Wells Opera, as well as the BBC from the 1950s to the 1980s. Includes leading U.K. artists such as John Tomlinson, Felicity Palmer and Stuart Burrows as well as great international artists of the era including Leyontyne Price, Shirley Verrett and Placido Domingo . Most are 8 x 10 inches and stamped on verso by photographer, in excellent condition, sold only as lot.  

American soprano (1882-1967) and film actress, noted for her beauty, acting ability, and the intimate timbre of her voice, becoming a superstar in her time. Lot of 18 beautiful unsigned vintage photo postcards depicting the American superstar mostly in roles such as Carmen, Manon, Mimí, Marguerite, and others. One of the photo postcards has her printed signature.  Each one's size is 3.4 x 5.4 inches, conditions range from very good to excellent. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Selection of 13 unsigned photo postcards of French actresses, including Yvonne Printemps, Louise Carletti, Dany Robin, Daniele Godet and others. Most are  3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Lof of 13 unsigned vintages "French Chocolate Opera" trade cards by Guerin-Boutron  & Grondard companies depicting famous opera singers of the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, including Breval, Caron, Cesbron, Duse, Lasalle, Litvinne, Nuovina, Rejane, Renaud, Sanderson, Talazac, and Van Dyck.  Each one's size is 2.4 x 4 inches, in very good condition or better. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Group of 65 photo postcards of French opera singers, Collection Artistique du Vin Desiles, each one is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition. Many famous names, each one showing a printed signature and inscription by each singer. Not sold separately.

Group of 65 photo postcards of French opera singers, Collection Artistique du Vin Desiles, each one is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition. Many famous names, each one showing a printed signature and inscription by each singer. Not sold separately.

Group of 7 photo postcards of French opera singers, from the "Collection Artistique du Vin Desiles", each one is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition. Many famous names, each one showing a printed signature and inscription by each singer. Not sold separately.

French mezzo-soprano (1837-1905) and creator of the role of Carmen in its world premiere, unsigned photo shown as herself, attached to a slightly larger soft cardboard. Size is 3.25 x 4.6 inches, in good condition.

American soprano (b. 1936), particularly known for her performances in Verdi roles. Lot of 15 unsigned photos, shown mostly in role at the New York City Opera. Sizes range from 7 x 9 to 8 x 10 inches. In excellent condition, sold only as lot. 

Fantastic lot of 33 vintage unsigned photo postcards of German opera singers from the late XIX century and early XX century, including Erik Schmedes, Theodor Reichmann, Erik Schrödfer, Antonie Schläger, Ernest Van Dyck, Andreas Dippel, and others.  Each one's size is approximately 5.5 x 3.5 inches, all in excellent condition.

Italian-American soprano (1901-1986), lot of 6 unsigned photos, shown mostly as herself and 1 in role. All but one are 8 x 10 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian tenor (1890-1957), widely regarded as one of the greatest tenors of his generation. Beautiful lot of 5 vintage unsigned photographs depicting the tenor in different opera productions, including a curtain call. Photographs are stamped on verso by photographer Oscar Savio, Rome.  Various sizes: 5 x 7 inches (1), 6 x 8.7 inches (4), 7.1 x 9.3 inches (3), all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Unsigned photo of a mise-en-scene of Richard Strauss's Intermezzo, world premiere production in Dresden, 1924. The composer character (based on Strauss himself) is shown standing to the left of the table with other male characters seated and playing a card game. Size is 6.25 x 4.5 inches, with a slight bend on the top right but otherwise in excellent condition.

Moravian soprano (1887-1982), unsigned photo postcard, shown as Marietta in Die Tote Stadt - a role she performed in the world premiere production of the opera in Hamburg in 1920. This photo is from the Vienna production of 1921. Blind stamped on front by photographer Franz Xaver Setzer, Vienna. Size is 3 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Bosnian-born Croatian-Austrian soprano (1921-2011) who enjoyed a prolific career in Europe (Covent Garden, La Scala, Glyndebourne, Vienna) and the United States. Lot of 21 fine photo postcards from different theaters depicting the soprano mostly in role and as herself; some are stamped on verso by photographers.  Sizes are 4.1 x 5.75 inches and 3.5 x 5.5 inches, all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY  AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Great lot of photos of the star German conductor, unsigned, depicting him in portrait, in events, rehearsals, and a couple with family. Set has 34 photographs in a variety of sizes, ranging from 5 x 7 inches to 8 x 10 inches, no photographer stamps on verso, all in very good condition. See scans. Sold as a lot only, not sold separately. 

Each photograph is unsigned, has a different size, and is stamped by a photographer on the back. Please read individual descriptions below, after clicking on thumbnails.  SOLD INDIVIDUALLY.

Spanish tenor (1927-1999), lot of 7 unsigned photos, shown as himself. All stamped on verso by photographer Erika Davidson, New York, 8 x 10 inches, in excellent condition.

Group of 12 unsigned photos depicting singers in role, from Teatro La Scala. Most are from the 1950s and 60s, all but 1 stamped on verso by official photographer Erio Piccagliani. Most 7 x 9 inches, many famous names including Ebe Stignani, Giulietta Simionato and Giuseppe Di Stefano, all in very good condition. Not sold individually.

Group of 50 unsigned photos depicting singers in role, from Teatro La Scala. Most are from the 1950s and 60s, some older, mostly not stamped on verso, and most are photos by official photographer Erio Piccagliani. Many famous names, all in very good condition. Not sold individually.

Group of 68 unsigned photos from Teatro La Scala, Milan, Italy, showing singers in role, from the late 1930s through early 1980s, mostly 1950s and 60s. Artists include Beniamino Gigli, Mario Del Monaco, and Giulietta Simionato, among many others. Photo sizes range from  4 x 5.75 inches to 5 x 7 inches, most are 4 x 5.75.  Many stamped on verso by photographer Piccagliani, all in very good condition. Not sold separately. 

Group of 75 unsigned photos, mostly 7 x 9 inches, mostly depicting singers in role, from Teatro La Scala. Most are from the 1950s to the 1970s, some older, many are photos by official photographer Erio Piccagliani, many stamped on verso. Many famous names, all in very good condition. Not sold individually, only as lot. All are in excellent condition. 

Group of 50 unsigned photo postcards from Teatro La Scala, Milan, Italy, showing singers in role, from late 1930s through early 1970s. Each one is 4.1 x 5.9 inches, most are not stamped on verso by photographer, a few are stamped on verso by a photographer, all in very good condition.

German soprano (1888-1976), American bass-baritone (1920-1985), and German-born conductor (1876-1962). Gorgeous black and white unsigned photograph of the three artists in an informal pose; an original photo by Brüder Basch, Vienna, ink-stamped on verso by him (sticker indicating date Nov. 2nd, 1955). Size is 5.1 x 7.1 inches, creases over the upper and lower left corners, otherwise in excellent condition.

German-American soprano (1888-1976). Lot of 19 unsigned photos, mostly shown as herself (few photos in role), various sizes being largest 3.75 x 5.6 inches, all in excellent condition.

Legendary German soprano and later voice teacher (1888-1976), who had an important international career mostly associated with the German repertoire.  Lot of 6 beautiful unsigned vintage photo postcards (5) and photo (1) shown as herself or in role.  Sizes range from 3.5 x 5.5 inches to 4 x 5.75 inches, in very good condition.

Russian-born French soprano (1860-1936), unsigned photo in role (probably as Isolde), blind stamped on 1913 and attached to a slightly larger piece of cardboard. Size is 5 x 7.65 inches, in excellent condition.