The sultry atmosphere of intoxicating parties, an unbridled life of luxury, sparkling Champagne and… lethal illness. This was what existence was like for the “lady of the camellias” before her true love walked into her life. The fallen woman. This truly sensational theme swept through the art of the 19th century, making a stunningly beautiful Parisian courtesan named Violetta Valéry into one of Verdi’s most famous heroines.