Drawing—alessandro Sanquirico—imaginary Temple—middle East—set Design—la Scala In Milan—1830

A theatrical set design executed in watercolor by Alessandro Sanquirico for the Teatro alla Scala, depicting a vast imaginary temple inspired by Eastern and Middle Eastern architecture.

The composition features a spectacular perspective comprising monumental porticoes, richly decorated marble columns, and coffered ceilings in a setting of great ornamental richness. Here, Sanquirico displays his full mastery of illusionistic architecture and depth effects designed for the great Italian opera productions of the early 19th century.

With its penchant for the spectacular, exotic architecture, and imagined ancient civilizations, this work perfectly illustrates the romantic Orientalism that profoundly influenced European decorative arts and stage design between 1820 and 1830.

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, the 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*.

His sets, blending ancient, Oriental, and fantastical architectural elements, contributed to the spectacular renewal of Italian Romantic theater.

Good overall condition. A few slight signs of aging consistent with the work’s age.

20 x 25 cm

Sold with its certificate of authenticity.