LEOPOLDO METLICOVITZ (1868-1944) IL GRILLO DEL FOCOLARE. 1908.
56 3/4x38 1/2 inches, 144x98 cm. G. Ricordi & C., Milan.
Condition B / B-: extensive repaired tears, restored losses, creases and overpainting in margins and image and along multiple vertical and horizontal folds.
Il Grillo del Focolare is an Italian opera by Riccardo Zandonai, that premiered in Turin in 1908 - one of two operas based on the 1845 novella The Cricket on the Hearth, by Charles Dickens. In the novella, John and Dot Peerybingle, cohabitate with a chirping cricket, who sits on their hearth and acts as somewhat of a guardian angel. The married couple is involved in a complicated relationship drama, and the omniscient cricket responds to good news by chirping, and to sadness with silence. Metlicovitz's dramaticically-lit poster for the opera illuminates the couple seated at their fireplace, seemingly listening for their insect acquaintance's advice. This work is "enlivened by the golden glare of the fire and drenched in a twilight intimacy perfectly in line with the work taken on by Zandonai" (Dolcissima p. 106). Metlicovitz was one of the preeminent Italian graphic designers of his era. Throughout his career he produced numerous posters for commercial advertising, exhibitions, operas and the film industry. We were unable to locate another copy of this rare poster at auction. Not in Ricordi. Dolcissima p. 106.