Battistini (Mattia) King of Baritones and Baritone of Kings

Rare cabinet card by B.M. Podolsky of Italian baritone Mattia Battistini, signed and inscribed by the opera singer in Italian "All'Avvocato Luigi Battistini (Battistini's favourite nephew), il suo zio affezionato Mattia, Rostoff, Don, 1902", minor soiling to image, original photographer's mount, some age-related toning, 130 x 220mm.

***From 1892 onwards, Battistini established himself as an immense favourite with Russian audiences. He returned to Russia regularly, appearing there for a total of 23 seasons, and touring extensively elsewhere in eastern Europe. The immense favour he enjoyed with the imperial family and the nobility, ensured that Russia became his true artistic home prior to the outbreak of the First World War.