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

This stage set design for the Paris Opéra was made with watercolor and graphite on paper by Eugène Cicéri. Look closely, and you’ll see the rough texture of the paper itself, how it influences the appearance of the drawing. The graphite marks create a loose sketch, an under-drawing that gives the design its basic form. Watercolors have been applied on top, giving the sketch depth, volume and a sense of atmospheric perspective. This interplay of materials and techniques has a direct connection to the work that Cicéri was doing. As a stage designer, he was tasked with creating believable illusions. The graphite under-drawing gives the impression of spontaneity, while the layered washes of watercolor add a sense of depth and drama. Consider the labor involved, not just in the creation of this design, but in the painting of the scenery itself, and the construction of the stage set. By looking at the materials and processes behind this work, we can begin to appreciate the skilled labor involved in creating spectacular experiences for a mass audience.