Marie-luise Walek — Costume Design For Grace Bumbry In Massenet’s *hérodiade*, Nice, 1987

In 1987, Nice staged Jules Massenet’s Hérodiade with the legendary Grace Bumbry in the title role. The American singer, whose international breakthrough came at Bayreuth, was admired for both the power of her voice and the intensity of her stage presence. Her portrayal of Hérodiade was a notable episode in the later part of her career.

This costume design was created for Bumbry by Marie-Luise Walek, the production’s costume designer. It brings together a preparatory pencil sketch bearing the dedication “Pour Madame Bumbry” and a coloured version signed and dated Walek 87.

The statuesque silhouette, rich purple tones and golden ornaments give the character the bearing of an Eastern queen. Although created in the 1980s, the stylised design recalls Art Deco and the great screen heroines of the silent film era. The two studies offer a glimpse of the costume’s development from initial sketch to finished stage design.

A rare record of the creative work behind an opera production made for one of the great singers of the twentieth century.

Dimensions: 43 × 59 cm; framed: 45 × 61 cm.