Ritratto is the Italian word for 'portrait' and the title of this opera. The young, orphaned, and married, excessively wealthy Italian Marchesa Casati strove to be seen throughout her life. She was famous for the exuberant parties she organized. She allowed herself to be portrayed or photographed by numerous artists. With her black-rimmed eyes, her flaming red hair, and eccentric behaviour, she tried to gain a place in the art world. Against the background of the First World War, the libretto questions the importance of art. At a feast of Casati, all sorts of artists from the time of Casati are brought together. At the time, it was the Futurists who paved the way for fascism with their art. Casati does not engage with secular problems and focuses on her passion. In opera, she goes even further than in real life; by not seeing, she tries to be seen herself.

Dedicated to Pierre Audi (Ritratto was Audi's last commission as artistic director of the Dutch National Opera)

Special thanks to Sheila Barnes, Klaus Bertisch, and Menno Zwart