Portret van Elizabeth-Rachel Félix als Roxane in de tragedie Bajazet 1838

Henri Grevedon made this etching of Elizabeth-Rachel Félix, a celebrated French actress, in the role of Roxane in Bajazet, a tragedy by Racine. The image itself is a window into the cultural world of 19th-century Paris, where the theater held a central place in social life. Félix, known as Rachel, was not just an actress but a cultural icon, embodying the spirit of classical tragedy for her time. Grevedon, a portraitist and lithographer, captures her in character, highlighting the theatricality of both the role and her public persona. The choice of Roxane, a powerful and ruthless character, speaks to the complex roles women could inhabit on stage, reflecting perhaps the limited avenues for female power in society. Understanding the image fully requires delving into the history of French theater, the cult of celebrity, and the socio-political context that shaped both Félix's career and Grevedon's artistic choices. We can use theater reviews, biographies, and social histories to help.