Design for a Stage Set 1830 - 1890

This stage set design was made by Eugène Cicéri, using graphite on paper. The grid pattern is essential here, providing a structure for the design's execution at a larger scale. It's a practical method, a means of translation that renders the initial concept into something buildable and scenically effective. The landscape depicted is rendered tonally, with depth created by the layering of graphite. Notice how the application of the material varies, from delicate shading to bold, decisive lines that suggest rocky textures. This evokes the character of the set. It is a visual shorthand that would inform the work of stagehands and painters charged with creating an immersive theatrical environment. Ultimately, this drawing reflects the intersection of artistic vision, craft, and labor, where the hand of the artist sets in motion a collaborative process towards a shared aesthetic experience. This challenges distinctions between fine art and the applied arts, and highlights the value of skillful execution.