Attractive autograph quotation from the important Italian actor, one of the leading men of the London stage. He toured extensively in the US and in 1886 performed his signature role of Othello opposite the Iago of Edwin Booth and was an inspiration for Verdi and Boito in their creation of perhaps the greatest Italian opera ever written. He has penned on a small album leaf: "Io son colui che Otello... fu! / (Shakespeare) / Tommaso Salvini / New York 1 Ott. 1889." The quotation comes from Act V, scene 4 of Shakespeare's text ("I am not the Othello you once knew.") Attractively matted together with a portrait of Salvini in costume. Some light scuff marks to the mat; otherwise fine. Autograph quotation 7 x 4.5 inches (16.5 x 10 cm), overall size 19 x 14.5 inches.