Role portrait as Hermione in Racine's Andromaque. Lithograph by Julien.
[Paris]: Aubert & Cie. [1840].
Image size 150 x 110 mm, sheet size 245 x 157 mm. On wove paper. Bust-length, in Grecian robe, hair pulled back. Signed "Julien" in the stone, "Mlle. Rachel" below image.
Published in the Galerie de la Presse (2nd series, 1840) and in the journal "Paris Élégant."
From the collection of the distinguished American mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne (b. 1934).
Very slightly worn; remnants of former mount to verso.
Hall III, p. 378, no. 60.
Elisabeth Félix, best known by her stage name "Mademoiselle Rachel," dominated Parisian society for nearly two decades before her untimely death at age 36. She was an acclaimed actress, making her Paris debut at age 17, and going on to star in works by Racine, Corneille, and Voltaire. As a socialite, she caused a stir as mistress to a series of prominent men including Louis Véron, director of the Paris Opéra, and none other than Napoleon III.
"Horne had a voice of extraordinary range, rich and tangy in timbre, with a stentorian chest register and an exciting top... In concert she once achieved the feat of singing in a single programme Rossini arias and Brünnhilde’s Immolation Scene, proof of her exceptional versatility. Throughout her lengthy career she was an admired recitalist, singing lieder, mélodies, Spanish and American songs with equal aplomb." Alan Blyth in Grove Music Online.
Item #31398
Price: $75.00 other currencies