Design for a Stage Set 1828 - 1890

Eugène Cicéri, a prominent stage designer in 19th-century France, created this design for a stage set using graphite on paper. Cicéri lived during a period of significant social and political change. His designs catered to the tastes of a society undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization, where theater provided an escape into romanticized visions of nature and history. The meticulous grid underlying the seemingly naturalistic scene reminds us of the artificiality inherent in stagecraft. His landscapes offered audiences a carefully constructed version of the natural world. As theater increasingly catered to a broader, more diverse audience, the ability to evoke emotion and transport viewers became paramount. Cicéri's designs, with their attention to detail and atmospheric perspective, played a crucial role in shaping the theatrical experience of his time. Ultimately, this drawing is more than just a design; it's a window into the cultural values and aesthetic preferences of 19th-century France. It reflects a society grappling with modernity while yearning for the idyllic beauty of nature.