Carlotta and Barbara Marchisio by Disderi

Carlotta and Barbara Marchisio

Italian soprano Carlotta Marchisio (1835-1872) with her sister, Barbara Marchisio (1833-1919). The sisters often appeared together throughout their careers. Rossini’s Sémiramis, first performed by the sisters at the Opéra on 10 July 1860, was their Paris début.

Carlotta is seen here dressed as the Queen of Babylon, who at the start of the opera has already murdered her husband. Barbara is dressed as her son, Arsace, the commander of the Assyrian army.