The Photographic Collection of the Archivio Storico Ricordi

The photo collection originated during the second half of the 1800s and covers the whole of the 1900s, counting thousands of items thanks mainly to the interest shown by Giulio Ricordi for this new artform. Photography had become an increasingly indispensable medium within an editor’s production system, as evidenced by Casa Ricordi’s early periodicals such as Musica e Musicisti and Ars et Labor. Currently, around 1,000 historical photos can be freely viewed online on the archive's Collezione Digitale.

Historic theater stage set with staircases and archway, several performers in period costumes.

Luciano Romano: Il Flaminio by Giovanbattista Pergolesi, revised by Marcello Panni, staged by the Teatro San Carlo in Naples and La Fenice in Venice, Gelatin silver print, 1980-1990

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic photo of dancer in crouched pose on stage, with inscription “New York City Center”.

Jack Mitchell: Merce Cunningham in Solo, Gelatin silver print, 1973

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic portrait of kneeling dancer in long dress before painted backdrop with plants.

Giuseppe Ricordi: Ernestina Bendazzi Garulli in stage costume, 1895-1905

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic portrait of woman in costume with seated man wearing glasses in the background.

Carlo Cisventi: Maria Callas during the recording of Cherubinis Medea, Gelatin silver print, 1957

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic portrait of man wearing hat and suit in mat frame with signature at bottom.

Pietro Tempestini: Giuseppe Verdi with a parasol in Montecatini Terme, Albumen print, 1899

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic portrait of woman in long dark dress with floral appliqués, mounted in mat frame.

Newman's Studio: Matilde De Bartóky, Gelatin silver print, 1900-1910

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic stage photo showing woman in light robe over fallen person, dramatic scene before backdrop.

Félix Nadar: Sarah Bernhardt in the role of Tosca, Albumen print, 1887

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic hand-colored portrait of man in uniform holding saber and feathered hat before landscape backdrop.

Angelo Sorgato: Portrait of a man, hand colored Albumen print, 1864-1880

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Person wearing sunglasses and suit standing before historic building facade in city square.

Wim Riemens: Sylvano Bussotti, Gelatin silver print, 1978

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic photograph of theater interior with balconies, stage, and orchestra in the stalls.

Luigi Luigioni: Interior of the Politeama Adriano, Albumen print, 1900-1910

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic stage photograph with large ensemble before ornate backdrop featuring arches and decorative motifs.

G. Grassi: I Vespri Siciliani, Act III, Scene II, Palermo, Teatro Massimo, Gelatin silver print, 1937

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic photograph of ornate theater interior with balconies, boxes, and empty rows of seats.

Giulio Parisio: Napoli, Teatro San Carlo: Royal box. Gelatin silver print, 1950-1960

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Historic portrait of man, half in shadow against high-contrast background.

Manfredi Bellati: Luigi Nono, Gelatin silver print, 1975-1980

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

Silhouette of person in traditional attire against grid-like backdrop with rectangular panels.

Lelli&Masotti: Madama Butterfly, Teatro alla Scala, Gelatin silver print, 1996

© Archivio Storico Ricordi, Ricordi & C. S.r.l. Milano

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