Pierre-Alfred Ravel (Actor)
Research Status: Comprehensive Last Updated: 2025-12-07 Diary Coverage: Up to 1873-01-12
Biography
Pierre-Alfred Ravel (January 6, 1811 – April 26, 1881) was a celebrated French actor of the 19th century, best known for his appearances in comedies. He was born in Bordeaux, the son of a horse dealer.
Career
Ravel was a leading player at two of Paris's most prestigious comedy theaters:
- Théâtre du Palais-Royal
- Théâtre du Gymnase Dramatique
His most celebrated role was Fadinard in Eugène Labiche's Un chapeau de paille d'Italie (The Italian Straw Hat), which premiered in 1851. This role became synonymous with Ravel's name and was one of the defining performances of French comic theater in the 19th century.
Performance in Nice (1873)
In January 1873, Ravel performed in Nice at the French Theater of Nice. Marie Bashkirtseff attended his performance on January 12, 1873, where he appeared in a double bill featuring:
- La joie de la maison
- Un chapeau de paille d'Italie (likely his signature role as Fadinard)
During the winter season, prominent actors from Parisian theaters would tour to Nice and other fashionable Riviera resorts to perform for the wealthy international visitors.
Significance
Ravel was one of the most respected comic actors of his generation. His appearance in Nice during the 1873 winter season would have been a major cultural event, attracting the attention of the sophisticated theater-going public, including young Marie and her family.
Note
Not to be confused with Ravel, the family carriage mentioned in later diary entries.
Sources
Research conducted using web sources: Pierre-Alfred Ravel - Wikipedia
%%2025-12-07T15:45:00 RSR: First mentioned in entry 1873-01-12. Ravel's presence in Nice confirms the high quality of theatrical entertainment available during the winter season%%