Design for a Stage Set 1830 - 1890

This stage set design was sketched by Eugène Cicéri in the 19th century. Observe how ancient Egyptian motifs permeate this design. Colonnades evoke the temples of the pharaohs, symbols of power and divine right. These architectural forms aren’t merely decorative; they're potent symbols of stability and authority. Think of the obelisks, rising like sunbeams turned to stone, echoing the Egyptian reverence for light and the sun god Ra. Yet, this fascination with Egypt isn't isolated. We find echoes of this Egyptian influence in the Renaissance, in the obelisks of Rome, and even in contemporary architecture. This design, though intended for a stage, taps into a deep well of cultural memory. The allure of Egypt, a land of mystery and ancient wisdom, continues to resurface, each time colored by the anxieties and aspirations of a new age.