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

Eugène Cicéri made this stage set design for the Paris Opéra in the 19th century with graphite and watercolor. The Opéra was an important institution in Paris, closely associated with the monarchy and later the state. Set design played a crucial role in creating spectacular illusions for the audience. Cicéri's design reveals the way these illusions were painstakingly planned. We see a gridded architectural rendering of buildings, complete with precise measurements. This drawing is not just art; it's a blueprint. The use of linear perspective is striking because it creates a credible illusion of depth on a flat surface. The Paris Opéra served as a cultural hub and a symbol of French identity, reflecting the values and tastes of its elite audience. Understanding the social function of the Opéra and the technical demands of stagecraft helps us appreciate the artistry and ingenuity of designers like Cicéri. To delve deeper, one could explore the archives of the Opéra, study treatises on stage design, and examine the social history of Parisian theater. Art always exists within a web of social and institutional relations that shape its meaning and significance.