Design for a Stage Set at the Opéra, Paris

Art Historical Context

Eugène Cicéri'sDesign for a Stage Set the Opéra, Paris (ca. 1828–90) offers a captivating glimpse into the theatrical world of 19th France. As a renowned scenic designer for the Paris Opéra,éri specialized in creating immersive backdrops that brought operas and ballets to life. This drawing, executed on an irregular sheet measuring 12 7/16 x 10 7/16 inches, likely sketches a lush, tree-filled landscape—a common motif in Romantic-era stagecraft to evoke nature's grandeur amid dramatic narratives. Rendered in graphite, the medium's precision allowed Cicéri to layer subtle tones and intricate details, essential for translating visions into large-scale scenery. Such preparatory drawings were vital in the pre-photography era, guiding painters and carpenters at the Opéra, where innovation in lighting and perspective transformed static sets into dynamic illusions. Cicéri's work bridged fine art and performance, influencing the evolution of theatrical design during a golden age of French opera. Today, this piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department highlights the artistry behind the curtain. Gifted in 1953, it reminds visitors how sketches like this fueled the magic of Paris's premier stages, blending technical skill with imaginative flair.

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...