Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris 1828 - 1890

Eugène Cicéri created this stage set design for the Paris Opéra in the 19th century using graphite and watercolor. This design offers a glimpse into the world of Parisian spectacle and entertainment during a period of significant social change. The Opéra, as a prominent cultural institution, reflected and shaped the tastes of the elite, who were its primary patrons. Consider the visual codes at play here: the elaborate architectural backdrop, the dramatic lighting, and the suggestion of a large cast all speak to the grandeur and artifice of operatic performance. France's historical emphasis on the arts, particularly under state patronage, is evident in the Opéra's prominent place in Parisian society. Delving into the archives of the Opéra and the biographies of set designers like Cicéri can reveal much about the social and institutional context of this artwork. Stage design offers us a unique way to study the intersection of art, culture, and power in 19th-century France.