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

Eugène Cicéri rendered this stage set design for the Paris Opéra with graphite on paper in the 19th century. Look closely, and you'll notice the careful lines, which create an atmosphere of refined elegance. But it’s important to remember that the world of the opera wasn't just about beauty. It was also a business, deeply connected to social class and spectacle. Consider the sheer amount of labor that went into creating a single opera production, from the performers and musicians to the costume makers, set designers, and stagehands. Cicéri’s drawing is just one small piece of that larger puzzle. Notice how the artist employs the medium of graphite to evoke the architecture and landscaping; the walls, door, and plants are meticulously crafted, creating a sense of depth and realism. And while this drawing may seem like a world apart from the gritty realities of industrial production, it's important to remember that even the world of art and entertainment is shaped by the social and economic forces of its time.