In 1791 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart debuted his latest opera, a comedic fantasy of serpents, high priests, bird-folk (or, bird catching-folk), queens, princes, captured royalty, and of course, a magic flute. To a modern eye, The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte in German) plays out like a fantastical Star Wars, a tale of faith versus reason, trickery against the blunt righteousness of truth. The opera was an immediate hit, making Mozart one of the few classic artists who was able to soak in the applause and admiration of his peers and society at large. In 2018, it remains one of the most performed operas in the world.
Evil Tender is proud to present The Opera Print Series, a project inspired by the classic opera posters of Alphonse Mucha, Adolfo Hohenstein, Leopoldo Metlicovitz, Ludwig Hohlwein, and so many others. The opening chord comes from illustrator Jonathan Burton, whose take on Mozart’s classic opera Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) perfectly captures the whimsy and humor, darkness and fantasy of Mozart’s piece.
There is a level of accepted fakery in opera — the castle and cave, the creatures, all take place on a stage with false lighting and a crew of hundreds bringing the world of the composer to life. Burton understands this and does not attempt to create the reality of the narrative, but of the opera itself. There is magic in The Magic Flute and Mr. Burton composed it all delicately on an 18″ x 24″ sheet of heavy paper.
‘Die Zauberflöte’ (The Magic Flute) by Jonathan Burton for ETDC’s Opera Print Series
Mozart’s ‘Die Zauberflöte’ (The Magic Flute)
by Jonathan Burton
7 Color Screenprint
including pearlescent white
and metallic gold inks
Limited Edition of 150
$50
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Detail of ‘Die Zauberflöte’ (The Magic Flute) by Jonathan Burton
Detail of ‘Die Zauberflöte’ (The Magic Flute) by Jonathan Burton
Detail of ‘Die Zauberflöte’ (The Magic Flute) by Jonathan Burton
I bought this poster directly from the artist a few months ago and I love it! The print is very high quality. I’m looking forward to future releases in the Opera Series.
Are you an opera fan?! What operas would you be interested in seeing new posters for?
Any of Wagner’s ring cycle, Wozzeck, or Salome would be awesome! Anything Puccini would be great too!
The full Ring cycle is in the works!
Love the Die Zauberflote poster, but is that a typo at the bottom? The premiere took place at Theater auf der Wieden. Looks like Theater auf der Wiesen on the poster. Are my eyes deceiving me?