In Puccini’s opera Tosca, what is the name of the painter loved by Floria Tosca?

In Puccini’s opera Tosca, the painter loved by Floria Tosca is Mario Cavaradossi. He is the opera’s tenor protagonist and Tosca’s devoted partner.

Cavaradossi becomes involved in the political danger surrounding Cesare Angelotti, an escaped political prisoner whom he helps hide. This brings him into conflict with Baron Scarpia, Rome’s police chief, who desires Tosca and uses the investigation to control her.

The opera is set in Rome in June 1800, during the struggle between revolutionary forces and the Kingdom of Naples. Cavaradossi’s famous arias include “Recondita armonia” and “E lucevan le stelle,” the latter sung before his expected execution.

Cavaradossi is sometimes confused with Angelotti because both are connected to the political plot, but they are different characters: Angelotti is the fugitive, while Cavaradossi is the painter who shelters him. Tosca premiered in Rome in 1900.