Press Illustration of Act 1 of the Premiere of Jacques Offenbach's Operetta La Grande-duchesse De Gérolstein at the Théâtre Des Variétés in Paris on 12 April 1867 from L'univers Illlustré (27 April 1867) 1867

Edouard Riou created this press illustration of the premiere of Jacques Offenbach's operetta, *La Grande-duchesse de Gérolstein*, which appeared in *L'univers Illustré* in 1867. The operetta, set in a fictional duchy, satirized militarism and political ambition. It premiered during a time of significant political tension in Europe, with France under the rule of Napoleon III. The opera was viewed as a commentary on the political climate of the time, particularly on the follies of military leaders. The figure of the Grand Duchess, a powerful woman in charge, challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. The characters' elaborate costumes and exaggerated poses add to the sense of satire and critique. The audience at the Théâtre des Variétés would have understood the opera as a reflection of, and a commentary on, their own society. This image, capturing a moment from the opera's premiere, encapsulates the intersection of art, politics, and social commentary in 19th-century France, revealing the cultural values of the time.