BERLIOZ LES TROYENS OPERA POSTER

Swiss graphic designer Karl Domenic Geissbuhler created this dramatic poster for a 1990 performance of the opera Les Troyens (The Trojans) at the Zurich Opera House. Written by French composer Hector Berlioz in the 1850s, Les Troyens is based on The Aeneid, Virgil’s epic poem about the Trojan War.

The abstract design of this poster vividly conveys the chaos of war, with slashing lines and jagged figures representing the intensity of hand-to-hand combat. The white color that depicts the warriors battling fiercely with their spears and swords provides a stark contrast to the blood-red background of the battlefield.  

In the midst of this action stands a massive horse towering above the battlefield and drawn as though it is assembled from disjointed pieces.  This of course is the Trojan horse - the mythic horse that enabled the Greeks hidden in its belly to enter Troy and emerge victorious in the battle.

Contrasting vividly with the red and white is the blue of the print used to advertise the details of the opera's performance.

Karl Domenic Geissbuhler (b. 1932), educated at art schools in Zurich and Berlin, worked most of his life as a graphic designer in Zurich.  Over the years he created more than 150 posters for the Zurich Opera House for which he received numerous awards.

This stunning poster in red and white will compliment a modern decor while fascinating viewers with its depiction of the Trojan War. Students of ancient history, classical mythology and opera will find this poster powerfully alluring, as will those who appreciate art that retells one of the most famous battles of all time.

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