Drawing—alessandro Sanquirico—roman Temple—set Design For La Scala In Milan—1830

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 Roman temple featuring monumental porticoes, richly decorated columns, and coffered ceilings, all rendered through a striking interplay of architectural perspectives. The ensemble creates a spectacular set inspired by classical antiquity, characteristic of the grand Italian stage designs of the early 19th century.

Through the precision of its design and the mastery of its illusionistic effects, this work fully exemplifies the decorative and architectural refinement for which Sanquirico was renowned at La Scala in Milan.

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.

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* perfectly illustrates the Romantic fascination with monumental architecture and grandiose evocations of antiquity that profoundly shaped 19th-century European 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.