Nellie Melba as Juliette from Roméo et Juliette, signed 1911

Nellie Melba as Juliette from Roméo et Juliette, signed 1911

This large-scale portrait of Melba as Juliette is an imposing example of the use of studio photography to portray an operatic role. A companion photograph taken at the same time, depicted Melba as the dead Juliette lying on her tomb. The diva apparently stipulated that the latter image was not to be published until after her death.

Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne

Grainger Museum

signed 1911

Arts Centre Melbourne

Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne
1997.076.922 | Transferred from the Dennis Wolanski Library,
Sydney Opera House, 1997