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

This is Eugène Cicéri’s study, "Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris," an undated graphite on paper, currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The drawing presents a composition defined by an almost dreamlike convergence of architectural forms. Note the use of graphite, applied with varying pressure to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, establishing a structural framework within which the scene unfolds. The perspective, though technically rendered, feels somewhat distorted, enhancing the theatrical quality of the design. Cicéri uses line and shading to convey the texture of the buildings, but it is the underlying geometric structure that commands attention. The grid-like pattern, visible throughout the sketch, offers a glimpse into the construction of stage design. This foundational structure could be viewed as a metaphor for the constructed nature of reality itself, highlighting how we perceive and interpret our surroundings through a framework of pre-existing concepts and forms. The fragmented and incomplete nature of the sketch draws attention to the act of creation. The lines remain open, inviting viewers to participate in the process of visualizing and constructing a world, both on stage and in their own minds.