Artist: The British Library lists in its holdings the book "The little princes in the tower," by C. Lysah, illustrated by M. Smargiassi Santantico (which they note is a pseudonym, although whether it is a pseudonym for C. Lysah or someone else is unclear), published 1892
History: Drawing looks to have been done for an illustration to a magazine in the same vein as The sketch, possibly for the Illustrated sporting and dramatic news. (Note in pencil in upper rt. corner of item reads 'Page s & D')
Provenance: Drawing was purchased, along with a number of drawings for magazine illustrations by various artists, from Henry Sotheran in 1905. Item was listed in the Folger's records under the name Margiassi, M.S
Sketch is divided into 5 sections, two portraying scenes from Act I and Act III, two showing full figure portraits of Desdemona and Iago, and one depicting bust portraits of opera singers Cattaneo, Tamagno and Maurel as Desdemona, Othello and Iago respectively. Item is signed M. Smargiassi and dated at the top 1889. In ink on the back of the Folger copy is written, 'Otello at the Lyceum Theatre 13 July 89'
Subject: Drawing illustrates the first London production of Verdi's operatic version of Shakespeare's Othello which opened at the Lyceum July 5, 1889 under the direction of the composer with conductor Signor Faccio
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Extended title: Verdi's Otello at the Lyceum, 1889 M. Smargiassi
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