Description: This postcard features a portrait of Italian opera star, Maria Labia (1880-1953). The pretty soparano was known for playing roles of the "verisimo repetoire" (a style of Italian realist opera from the late 19th Century). Maria studied voice with her mother. Cecilia Labia was also an opera singer. Maria made her professional opera debut in Stockholm in 1905 in "La Boheme". In 1907, she joined the Komische Opera in Berlin where she sang many title roles. In 1908, she joined the Manhattan Opera Company in New York City. After two years, she returned to Italy and continued to perform in independent operas. She joined the company at La Scala in 1912. and then the Paris Opera in 1913. In 1916, she was imprisoned for one year in an Italian jail. She was accused of being a German agent. After the war, she returned to performing. Maria's performances were considered "shamelessly sensual" for her era. Many of her performance were recorded and available to be enjoyed. Maria's sister, Fausta, had a short career singing opera. She was active between 1892 and 1912. The IMDb reports that Maria appeared in one film. The film was released in 1941. This postcard portrait was taken by photographer, Ernst Schneider. He was considered to be one of the most celebrated studio photographers in Berlin during three decades (1900’s, 1910’s, 1920’s. He photographed many celebrities from the world of theater, opera, circuses, and film. He was also one of the most prominent fashion photographers in Berlin. Well known celebrity photographer, Herm. Leiser's name also appears on this card. It is likely that Schneider took the photo for Leiser's studio. The stamp box on this postcard (P.R.A.) indicateds that the card was published sometime between 1912 and 1915. This postcard portrait is in very good condition (see scans).
Price: 32 USD
Location: Northport, New York
End Time: 2025-01-03T18:38:56.000Z
Shipping Cost: 3.85 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Number of Items in Set: 1
Unit of Sale: Single Unit
Artist: Ernst Schneider (Photographer)
Featured Person: Maria Labia
Size: Standard (5.5 x 3.5 in)
Material: Paper
Year Manufactured: 1913
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Brand/Publisher: Herm Leiser
sTYLE: 5462
Subject: Opera Singer
Type: Real Photo (RPPC)
Era: 1912-1915
Theme: Music
Features: Divided Back, White Border
Time Period Manufactured: 1912-1915
Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
Postage Condition: Posted
