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

Eugène Cicéri made this design for a stage set at the Opéra in Paris using graphite on paper. The lines are quickly sketched, giving a sense of spontaneity and immediacy to the scene. The choice of graphite as a medium speaks to the nature of theatrical design, which requires a balance of artistic vision and technical precision. Graphite allows for both: the ability to quickly render ideas, and to make corrections and adjustments. Here, the artist seems to be exploring different options for the set's architecture and layout, with multiple lines indicating possible changes and refinements. The rapid and iterative nature of sketching is well-suited to the collaborative environment of theater production. Unlike a painting meant for solitary contemplation, this sketch is a working document, meant to be shared, discussed, and ultimately translated into a three-dimensional stage set. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly ephemeral works of art are rooted in material processes and social contexts.