Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris 1840 - 1890

This pencil sketch by Eugène Cicéri is a design for a stage set at the Opéra in Paris. The drawing depicts the facade of a grand building, possibly a palace or a theater, featuring a central arched entrance, multiple windows, and a decorative balcony. The gridded pattern superimposed on the drawing suggests its use as a blueprint for the construction of the set. Cicéri was a renowned French set designer known for his elaborate and historically accurate stage productions. This sketch provides insight into the artistic process behind the creation of theatrical sets in the 19th century. The detail of the architecture and the gridded pattern highlight the precision and meticulous planning involved in this type of design work.