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

This detailed drawing by Eugène Cicéri, a renowned French set designer, is a design for a stage set at the Opéra in Paris. The design depicts a lush, tropical scene with palm trees and dense foliage, which would have been rendered in three dimensions for the actual production. This design, created between 1830-1890, provides a glimpse into the theatrical practices of the 19th century and the role of the set designer in creating immersive stage environments. Cicéri's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate depiction of the plants and the gridded lines indicating stage measurements.