Poster for the première of Jules Massenet’s Werther (1893)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
Our latest addition to the gallery’s digital archive is the illustrious poster for the première of Jules Massenet’s opera "Werther," designed by the renowned Swiss-born French artist Eugène Grasset in 1893. This striking piece of graphic work promotes the lyrical drama staged at the Théâtre National de l'Opéra Comique in Paris, based on Goethe's spellbinding novel.The poster is elegantly divided into two main circular vignettes nestled within a lavish frame of golden oak leaves and vivid typography. The top vignette captures a serene, yet poignant family scene, subtly hinting at the opera’s underlying themes of love and interpersonal dynamics. Below, a more dramatically charged moment depicts the titular character, Werther, in a state of despair as he leans towards Charlotte, who appears anguished yet restrained, embodying the emotional turmoil central to the opera's narrative.Grasset's use of soft hues and detailed imagery not only conveys the emotional depth of the opera but also reflects the artistic style of the era, marrying art and advertisement beautifully. This poster not only advertised an opera but also encapsulated the emotional intensity and artistic creativity of the Fin de siècle.