Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris 1828 - 1890

Eugène Cicéri created this stage set design for the Paris Opéra using graphite, watercolor, and gouache. Notice how the figures on the stage appear as though emerging from a cavernous abyss, evoking a sense of the underworld, or perhaps, the depths of the human psyche. The winged figures perched at the precipice remind me of similar motifs in ancient Greek art, where winged creatures often symbolize messengers between the mortal and divine realms. Observe how these figures seem to bridge the gap between darkness and light, suggesting a transcendent journey or a revelation unfolding before us. Consider, too, the way light filters into the scene. Light and darkness are powerful forces that engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, stirring our collective memories and subconscious associations with shadow and illumination. This symbol has ancient roots, a testament to how certain archetypes recur across cultures and epochs, evolving in form yet retaining their primal impact on the human soul.