42 - CHARBONNEL (Marie-Louise) (1880–1969). French opera singer, contralto, who portrayed Delilah in Camille Saint-Saëns’s *Samson and Delilah*.

CHARBONNEL (Marie-Louise) (1880–1969). French opera singer, contralto, who portrayed Delilah in Camille Saint-Saëns’s *Samson and Delilah*. Original black-and-white photograph, with an autographed dedication to Mr. Focké. Paris, December 1913. 22.7 × 16.8 cm. A beautiful photographic portrait of the artist, taken by the renowned Henri Manuel studio in Paris, depicting her in an embroidered evening gown, her hands delicately placed beneath her chin. At the bottom, a handwritten dedication in black ink, signed and dated: “To Mr. Focké, with all my affection. Marie Charbonnel, of the Opéra-Comique. December 1913.” Marie-Louise Charbonnel made her debut at the Opéra de Lyon in 1901, before enjoying great success at the Opéra de Paris in 1907, notably in the role of Dalila in *Samson et Dalila* by Camille Saint-Saëns. Her contralto voice allowed her to excel in the dramatic roles of the French operatic repertoire. An elegant, large-format portrait, a testament to the career of a French opera singer in the early 20th century. On the reverse, a printed stamp from photographer Henri Manuel, Paris, and a few old pencil annotations. Small traces of old fasteners in the upper margin, slight creases and wear at the corners, and a few superficial marks. In good overall condition.