120 - ARISTOTLE ONASSIS (1906–1975) & MARIA CALLAS (1923–1977)

ARISTOTLE ONASSIS (1906–1975) & MARIA CALLAS (1923–1977) An Important Official Presentation Photograph Album Commemorating Their Visit to Haiti, March 1959 A historically significant presentation photograph album containing 27 original vintage black-and-white photographs documenting the visit of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and internationally celebrated opera soprano Maria Callas to Haiti in March 1959. The album was specially presented to Aristotle Onassis by the Haitian National Tourist Office (Office National du Tourisme) as an official commemorative gift. The front cover bears a personalised gilt-lettered dedication in French: “SOUVENIR DE L’OFFICE NATIONAL DU TOURISME À Mr. ARISTOTE ONASSIS À L’OCCASION DE SON AIMABLE VISITE EN HAÏTI LE 6 MARS 1959. PORT-AU-PRINCE, LE 10 MARS 1959.” The album features original period photographs depicting Onassis and Callas during their visit, including official meetings, receptions, encounters with local dignitaries and views of Port-au-Prince and its landmarks. Bound in a dark cover with gilt spiral binding and a personalised presentation plaque, the album constitutes an important contemporary photographic record of the visit. Of particular historical and collectible interest is its direct association with Aristotle Onassis and Maria Callas, two iconic personalities of the twentieth century, whose celebrated relationship became one of the most widely publicised romances of their era. A rare and historically evocative piece of Onassis–Callas memorabilia, distinguished by its official presentation, original photographic content and direct personal association with Aristotle Onassis. Haiti, March 1959. Dimensions: 33 × 26.5 cm. Contents: 27 original vintage black-and-white photographs.