Original Drawing—alessandro Sanquirico—egyptian Temple—hieroglyphs—la Scala In Milan

Theatrical set design executed in watercolor by Alessandro Sanquirico for a production of Gioachino Rossini’s opera *Semiramide* at the Teatro alla Scala in 1824.

The composition depicts a vast Egyptian temple featuring monumental gates, richly decorated columns, and statues of deities. The entire scene is adorned with hieroglyphs, while in the background appear several pyramid-shaped temples, a motif found in many of Sanquirico’s drawings.

With its emphasis on monumental architecture, illusionistic perspectives, and ancient civilizations, this work fully exemplifies the spectacular refinement of the great Italian opera sets of the early 19th century.

Alessandro Sanquirico began his career collaborating with several artists, including Paolo Landriani, Giovanni Pedroni, Giovanni Perego, and Giorgio Fuentes. He studied architecture and perspective under Giuseppe Piermarini, architect of La Scala in Milan.

Sanquirico created more than three hundred productions for La Scala, including several major works from the Italian repertoire. Between 1818 and 1832, he dominated the visual style of the Milanese theater both on stage and in the auditorium. He designed the sets for Salvatore Viganò’s ballets as well as for numerous operas by Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti, including *La gazza ladra*, *Il pirata*, *La sonnambula*, *Norma*, *Anna Bolena*, and *Lucrezia Borgia*.

This design for *Semiramide* illustrates the Romantic fascination with the Orient and ancient Egypt that profoundly influenced the decorative arts and European stage design in the 1820s.

Good overall condition. Some slight signs of wear consistent with the work’s age.

21.5 x 24.5 cm

Sold with its certificate of authenticity.