Le Portrait

Le Portrait was presented as a lyric comedy in two acts with music by Champein and a libretto by Saulnier . It had its world premiere on 22 October 1790, but it failed to inspire sustained interest and was dropped from the repertory on 10 December 1790 after only seven performances. The curtain rises with Julie looking at the sea and wondering whether or not Dorval has been faithful to her. Finette assures her of her lover’s constancy (I, 1). Valère announces the return of a French vessel from…