Design for a Stage Set 1830 - 1890

Eugène Cicéri made this stage set design using graphite and watercolor, most likely in France. The design speaks to the rise of theatrical spectacle during the 19th century, where elaborate sets and visual effects became integral to the audience experience. The setting, a desolate winter landscape, suggests a tragic or dramatic narrative. Note how the barren trees and snow-covered ground evoke a sense of isolation, while also framing a central void, inviting the viewer's gaze into the theatrical space beyond. Cicéri was a prominent designer for the Paris Opéra, an institution closely tied to the cultural and political life of the city. The Opéra was not just a place for entertainment, but also a site for displaying wealth, power, and national identity. Stage designs, like this one, played a crucial role in shaping the audience's perception of these values. By studying archival materials such as theater programs, set designs, and critical reviews, we can begin to understand the social and institutional contexts that gave rise to this artwork, as well as its role in shaping the cultural landscape of 19th-century France.