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. What's fascinating about this modest drawing is how much labor it implies. The rococo forms – cherubic figures, leafy scrolls, and ornate urns – all derive from highly skilled traditions of carving and modeling. Each element would have been fabricated by specialists, and then assembled to create a convincing illusion of opulent surroundings. But of course, the stage is just that: an illusion. This drawing represents not only Cicéri's artistic vision, but also a whole system of production, involving many hands. It reflects a hierarchical approach to the making process, from design to fabrication, with the artist at the top. Consider, too, the social context: opera was a spectacle for the wealthy. This tiny drawing is a portal into the world of 19th century Paris, complete with its class divisions and artistic aspirations.