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

Eugène Cicéri’s stage set design for the Paris Opéra is carefully rendered in graphite on paper. The delicate balance of light and shadow creates a surprisingly immersive depth within the simple monochromatic palette. The composition is structured by a grid, which imposes an order on the organic forms of the tree and landscape. This tension between the planned structure and the freedom of natural forms destabilizes the traditional scenic depiction. We are invited to consider the artificiality of the stage itself. The artist's marks are visibly present. The varying line weights emphasize the textured surfaces of the foliage and ground. Through these formal elements, Cicéri not only designs a backdrop, but also prompts a deeper reflection on the constructed nature of what we see. This interplay invites continuous re-evaluation.