Design for a Stage Set 1828 - 1890

This design for a stage set was made by Eugène Cicéri, likely in the mid-19th century, using watercolor on paper. While seemingly simple, the medium of watercolor allowed Cicéri to capture the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere, essential for creating the illusion of depth and space on stage. The application of watercolor also demanded a high level of skill, requiring precise brushwork and an understanding of color mixing to achieve the desired effects. The design would then be translated into large-scale painted backdrops and sets, a labor-intensive process involving teams of skilled artisans and craftsmen. These skilled laborers were essential to the theater industry. The design then becomes a template for the collaborative effort of realizing a theatrical production, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and industry. By recognizing the labor embedded in this design, we gain a fuller appreciation of its cultural and historical significance, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.