Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris 1830 - 1890

This preliminary sketch by Eugène Cicéri, a renowned stage designer, provides a glimpse into the creative process behind the grand spectacles of the Opéra in Paris. Dating from 1830-1890, it showcases a landscape scene with mountains, a river, and a distant sun, likely intended as a backdrop for a theatrical production. The gridded surface highlights the meticulous planning involved in transforming a flat stage into an immersive illusion. The delicate lines and subtle shading suggest a mountainous setting, evocative of the romantic and dramatic themes common in operatic performances. This artwork, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a window into the world of theatrical design in 19th-century France.