Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris 1840 - 1890

This stage set design for the Paris Opéra was made by Eugène Cicéri, using graphite and paper in the 19th century. It’s interesting to consider the raw materials that go into a theatrical production – not just paint and canvas for the set itself, but also paper and graphite for designs like this. Cicéri’s expertise is evident in the detailed rendering of the landscape, with the use of graphite allowing for subtle gradations of tone and texture. Notice the gridlines, which indicate the practical realities of translating this design into a large-scale set. In a sense, theater has always been a collaborative effort. Cicéri’s drawing would have been just one step in a much larger production process, involving carpenters, painters, costume designers, and many others. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly ephemeral art forms, like opera and ballet, rely on a great deal of material labor. This drawing gives a glimpse into the work behind the scenes, challenging the idea that only what happens on stage really matters.