Poster for the première of Jules Massenet’s Werther Eugene Grasset (1841-1917)

The poster presents a theatrical advertisement, employing a formal and decorative style characteristic of late nineteenth-century promotional material. The central element is the bold, stylized title WERTHER, rendered in a flowing, almost calligraphic script that dominates the visual field. This typography immediately establishes the works prominence and suggests an emotional intensity.
Two circular vignettes frame the title. The upper vignette depicts a gathering of elegantly dressed women seated around what appears to be a piano or harpsichord. A man stands nearby, seemingly engaged in conversation with one of the women. The scene conveys a sense of refined social interaction, hinting at the societal context within which the narrative unfolds. The lower vignette portrays a more intimate and dramatic moment: a woman recoils from a man kneeling before her, his expression pleading or despairing. Her posture suggests distress and rejection, immediately establishing a core theme of unrequited love and emotional turmoil.
The text surrounding these visual elements provides further context. At the top, THEATRE NATIONAL DE LOPERA COMIQUE identifies the venue, while “Drame lyrique d’après GOETHE” clarifies the work as an operatic adaptation of Goethe’s novel. The names of the librettists – Edouard Blau, Paul Millet, and Georges Hartmann – are listed beneath this attribution, acknowledging their contribution to the production. Below the title, Musique de J. MASSETNET credits the composer.
The posters design utilizes a restrained palette of yellow, black, and white, contributing to its overall sense of elegance and formality. The decorative border, featuring stylized floral motifs, reinforces this aesthetic. The inclusion of sales information – “En vente au MENESTREL 2bis Rue Vivienne HEUGEL & C’s Editeurs pour tous Pays. PARIS” – serves a practical purpose while also grounding the advertisement in its commercial context.
Subtly, the poster communicates more than just the details of a performance. The contrast between the convivial scene in the upper vignette and the anguished encounter depicted below underscores the inherent tension within the narrative – the clash between societal expectations and individual desire. The overall composition suggests a tragic trajectory, inviting the audience to anticipate emotional depth and dramatic conflict.