Derde bedrijf, tweede scène van Robert le Diable 1873 - 1874

Charles Dauvois captured this image, "Derde bedrijf, tweede scène van Robert le Diable," using the stereographic technique, creating a scene that invites viewers into a theatrical world. The composition emphasizes a stark contrast between light and shadow, framing the dramatic narrative within an artificial cave setting. The arrangement of figures and architectural ruins is highly stylized. Dauvois uses the dual perspective of stereography to enhance the scene's depth, drawing attention to the constructed nature of the theatrical space. The figures, posed against the backdrop, are strategically placed to convey a sense of drama. This work engages with the broader cultural context of 19th-century opera, reflecting how the era used spectacle to explore themes of morality and conflict. It questions the boundaries between reality and representation, inviting viewers to consider the interplay of artifice and emotion in both theater and photography. Ultimately, the photograph serves as a commentary on the nature of performance and the ways in which cultural values are constructed and communicated.