Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris 1840 - 1890

Eugène Cicéri's design for a stage set at the Opéra in Paris presents a facade rendered with delicate pencil strokes on a gridded sheet. The building’s symmetrical structure and classical architectural elements give a sense of stability and order. The use of precise lines and geometric forms constructs a stage space that attempts to convey a sense of depth. The red grid overlaid across the sketch emphasizes the artificiality of the constructed space. Each plane of the building is carefully delineated, and it seems to echo the rationalist principles of stage design prevalent in the 19th century. The architectural form conveys the grand and imposing style of the Opéra, and the balanced composition conveys a sense of theatrical grandeur. The subtle shading suggests a play of light and shadow across the building, underscoring the illusory nature of the theatrical set. The set is designed to evoke an emotional response by providing an immersive experience of space. Cicéri uses form to engage with perception and the interplay between reality and representation.