Madama Butterfly

Adolfo Hohenstein, G. Ricordi, Milan, Italy, 1904

Colour lithograph on paper.

H: 144 cm / W: 200 cm

UMP 9230

Adolfo Hohenstein (1854–1928) was a German-born artist and one of the most important poster designers in Italy during the period of the so-called Italian Art Nouveau. In 1879 he settled in Milan and worked as a scenographer for the Teatro alla Scala. Later he began working in the workshops of the publisher G. Ricordi and created theatrical and advertising posters there, in addition to other graphic works. He also collaborated on the preparation of costumes and scenography for opera. Among his students was Leopoldo Metlicovitz, whose version of the poster for the opera Madama Butterfly is also in the museum's collection.

The premiere of Giacomo Puccini's opera took place at the Teatro alla Scala on February 17, 1904.

Condition before restoration.