Zydowka | La Juive | Walkulski

La Juive (Polish: Żydówka, English: The Jewess) is a grand opera in five acts composed by Jacques Fromental Halévy, with a libretto by Eugène Scribe. It was composed in 1834–1835 and premiered on February 23, 1835, at the Opéra de Paris. The opera quickly became one of the most celebrated works of 19th-century French grand opera. Set in Constance, Germany, during the Council of Constance in 1414, the opera tells the tragic story of Eléazar, a Jewish goldsmith, and his adopted daughter Rachel. Rachel falls in love with a young man she believes is Jewish, but he is actually the Christian Prince Léopold, who is already married. When their relationship is exposed, religious intolerance, betrayal, and long-hidden family secrets lead to a devastating conclusion. The opera explores themes of religious persecution, prejudice, love, revenge, and sacrifice, culminating in one of the most powerful tragic endings in French opera. The poster artist Wiesław Wałkuski was born in Poland in 1956, and started his graphic design education at the Warsaw Academy of Art which he attended from 1976 to 1981. He studied under several design lecturers including Maciej Urbaniec and Teresa Pagowska. At the end of his studies he was employed by Polfilm and Film Polski to produce artwork and cover designs. During this period he also worked with visual studio publishers and numerous theater groups producing artworks. In 1987 he commenced his career as a freelance graphic designer. Today, Wiesław Wałkuski has more than 200 posters to his name and he continues his work as a poster designer, illustrator and painter. He still lives and works in Warsaw. His works are presented at major Polish and international poster exhibitions including some at The Weidman Gallery in West Hollywood, USA.