This work was inspired by Brett’s anticipation of coming to Bergerac, France, to create his first lithographs, alongside his reading of “Cyrano de Bergerac: Heroic Comedy in Five Acts” – a play by Edmond Rostand, which explores themes of love and heroism—elements that resonate deeply in Brett’s artistic expression.

Below is a part of a quote from Act 3, Scene 6 of the play “Cyrano de Bergerac: Heroic Comedy in Five Acts” where Cyrano expresses his unrequited love for Roxane and the solitude of his own heart. “Mon cœur est une flamme qui brûle avec ardeur, mais elle brûle sans éclairer personne.” Which translates to: “My heart is a flame that burns with passion, but it burns without illuminating anyone.”