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

This is a design for a stage set at the Opéra in Paris, sketched by Eugène Cicéri in the 19th century. At first glance, the narrow vertical format immediately draws the eye upward, mimicking the towering architecture it depicts. The monochromatic palette, rendered in delicate pencil lines, creates a sense of depth and volume through subtle gradations of tone. We can see how the formal structure of the building is emphasized through the sharp, precise lines that define its cornices, windows, and overall silhouette. Cicéri's design embraces formalism by showcasing architectural elements as pure form, with a focus on the interplay of lines and planes to construct a convincing stage facade. The sketch is not merely representational but explores the intrinsic aesthetic qualities of architectural design itself. It reduces architecture to a visual language of line and form, suggesting that buildings, like art, can be appreciated for their abstract qualities.