Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris

Art Historical Context

Eugène Cicéri'sDesign for a Stage Set the Opéra, Paris captures the grandeur of 19th-century theater during the Romantic era. Active from the 1830s to 1890s, Cicéri was a master scenic designer whose intricate drawings brought operas and ballets to life at the Paris Opéra. This graphite sketch, on an irregular 10 3/8 x 4 1/2 in. sheet, likely served as a preliminary concept for one of the venue's lavish productions, evoking the opulent architectural fantasies that defined the period's stagecraft. Rendered in graphite—a favored medium for its precision and portability— the drawing exemplifies Cicéri's skill in rendering dramatic perspectives, atmospheric lighting, and ornate details like columns and arches. These designs were pivotal in transforming static theaters into immersive worlds, influencing composers like Meyerbeer and Wagner through visual spectacle. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this piece from The Elisha Whittelsey Collection highlights the collaborative artistry behind iconic performances. It offers a glimpse into how 19th-century innovation in scenography elevated opera from mere music to total theatrical experience, delighting audiences with its blend of realism and imagination.

About the Artist

Eugène Cicéri · 1813–1890

Étienne Eugène Cicéri (1813-1890) was a French painter, lithographer, and theatrical designer who became a notable figure in the Barbizon School movement. Born in Paris on January 27, 1813, into an illustrious artistic family, he was the son of renowned scenographer Pierre-Luc-Charles Cicéri and the nephew of painter Eugène Isabey. Cicéri occupies an important position in 19th-century French land...