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

Eugène Cicéri's "Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris" is a watercolor and gouache on paper, created sometime between 1830 and 1890. The design, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a stage set for an opera production featuring a backdrop of a desert landscape with a large tent, lush plants, and a vibrant sky. The use of watercolor and gouache in this scenic design reflects the aesthetic preferences of the time, showcasing the artistic skill of the designer. This stage set design, a rare glimpse into the world of 19th-century theatrical productions, highlights Cicéri's mastery of both realism and imaginative composition.