Sarah Bernhardt played the title role in Alexandre Dumas?s play La Dame aux Camélias (Camille in the English translation) many times. Mucha?s poster promoted the 1896 revival. This beautiful poster portrays dramatically the story of the tragic love of the courtesan Camille who, dying of consumption, releases her lover from his promise to marry her. The heroine leans weakly on the balustrade against a background of silver stars. White camelias, her favourite flower, figure prominently. One adorns her hair, another, held by the hand of fate below, symbolises death. The smooth-stemmed plant contrasts with the thorny roses which pierce the hearts near the top of the design and bring to mind the play?s principal theme ? love?s ultimate sacrifice.