About the work
Opéra-comique in one act by André-Ernest-Modeste Grétry to a libretto by Louis Anseaume, first performed on 20 September 1769 at the Comédie-Italienne (Hôtel de Bourgogne) in Paris.
Plot
Isabelle is being pressured by her jealous guardian Cassandre into an unwanted marriage. When her lover Léandre returns, Cassandre hides inside an unfinished portrait to eavesdrop — and, as Isabelle confesses her love before the painting, becomes the seemingly "talking picture" of the title.
Cultural significance
The work ranks among the greatest stage successes of the 18th century: the Comédie-Italienne alone gave 636 performances by 1865, alongside productions across Europe and America. The conceit of the "talking picture" remained popular long after Grétry's death.