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

This stage set design for the Paris Opéra, drafted by Eugène Cicéri, reveals a fascination with classical motifs. Note the statue of the woman, reminiscent of ancient Roman goddesses, presiding over the scene. Her gesture, an open hand, echoes that of figures in classical antiquity, signifying offering, welcome, or benediction. This motif can be found in Renaissance paintings, adorning the Virgin Mary, her hand extended in a gesture of grace. Over time, this gesture has been passed down through history, shifting from the sacred to the theatrical. Reflect on the balcony, a recurrent feature in stage designs, a space for characters to express longing and anticipation. Such elements remind us that the stage is not merely a backdrop, but a space where human emotions are amplified and externalized.