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

This stage set design for the Paris Opéra, was made by Eugène Cicéri, likely in the mid-19th century, using graphite and paper. The drawing’s appearance is influenced by the inherent qualities of its materials: the paper provides a surface, and the graphite renders depth, form and texture, to create this vision of a lush, exotic landscape. The technique involves layering graphite to suggest volume, and using line work to describe the botanical forms. But this is no ordinary drawing. It served as the plan for stagehands, carpenters, and painters to realize this scene on a grand scale. So, consider the labor that went into this image, and that which it anticipated. Think of the many hands involved, and the resources required to bring such a design to life in the theater, all to conjure up this image of tropical paradise. Considering materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the collaborative endeavor between art, craft and stage production to create immersive theatrical experiences.