This poster was created in 1990 to promote the book Aida, as retold by Leontyne Price and illustrated by two-time Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon. Aida is based on the opera from Verdi who also composed Rigoletto, La Traviata, and Nabucco in the mid-19th century. This illustration, used on the cover, is a fine example of the richness and detail that the Dillon's bring to their work. The unique marbleized pattern that was employed on the left of Aida adds to the sophistication of the piece as well as urgency to her dilemma and relentless longing. The book received the Coretta Scott King Award in 1991. Leontyne Price's first Grand Opera performance of Aida, at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco in 1957, was a resounding success. She is among the most prolific voices in recent history. Her major honors include nineteen Grammy Awards, numerous honorary doctorates, three Emmy Awards, and the National Medal of the Arts, a Kennedy Center Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
