Artwork
Print Collection
Print Collection is a print by Emanuele Luzzati. It dates from 1979 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work consists of six lithographic prints that illustrate episodes from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.
About this work
These six lithographs bring scenes from The Magic Flute to life. They’re from a 1979 set called Il Flauto magico, with each print paired with tracing paper holding a song snippet.
Luzzati added a booklet in Italian to explain the images. The prints sit in a special folder at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Check out the artist Luzzati, Emanuele next.
Overview
The work consists of six lithographic prints that illustrate episodes from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. Produced around 1979, the set is titled Il Flauto magico and is presented together with a twelve‑page Italian booklet and individual sheets of tracing paper bearing excerpts of the opera’s music.
Subject & Meaning
Each print captures a distinct moment from the stage drama, translating the narrative and its symbolic motifs into a visual language that reflects the opera’s blend of fantasy, enlightenment ideals, and moral testing.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the images display Luzzati’s characteristic use of bold outlines and flat areas of color, combined with delicate detailing that suggests both theatrical scenery and decorative illustration.
History & Provenance
The series was created by Italian artist Emanuele Luzzati in the late 1970s and assembled as a portfolio, including the tracing‑paper inserts and booklet. The complete set is now held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
Luzzati, known for his work in stage design and illustration, often engaged with operatic subjects. This project aligns with his broader interest in merging visual art with musical performance, offering a didactic companion to the opera’s score.
Artist & collection
Artist
Emanuele Luzzati made playful prints filled with bold colors and lively patterns.
