テオドーラ
1900
Manuel Orazi’s 1900 poster for Victorien Sardou’s play *Théodora* is a stunning collision of ancient history and Art Nouveau flair. The design deliberately mimics Byzantine mosaics—note the golden halos and stiff, regal figures on the left—to set the stage for a drama about the Empress Theodora in 6th-century Constantinople. While the top half feels holy and serene, the bottom right corner spills over with chaos: a murdered body, a dagger, and scattered jewels. This visual contrast perfectly promises the audience five acts of intense royal intrigue at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, a role famously created for the legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt.
- Technique
- Color lithograph
- Material
- Paper