Julien Belloir-vazelle—ensemble—decorative Projects—curtains—opéra-comique—théâtre Du Gymnase

Set of four decorative designs created for the boxes at the Opéra-Comique and the Théâtre du Gymnase, executed between 1879 and 1880 by Julien Belloir & Cie, a prestigious decorator and supplier to the major Parisian theaters of the late 19th century.

This collection brings together several preparatory studies for the draperies and furnishings of the front-of-house boxes at the Salle Favart, created just a few years before the tragic fire of 1887 that destroyed the former Opéra-Comique. These drawings thus provide a valuable record of the interior splendor of the famous Parisian theater during the final years of the late Second Empire and the early years of the Third Republic.

The first design, dated 1879, features an elegant drapery composition executed in pencil and watercolor on tracing paper mounted on Canson paper. The second design, intended for the front-of-stage boxes and annotated in ink, bears the note:
“P.S. For this box, the drapery from the first design remains unchanged,” revealing the technical dialogue and decorative adjustments made during the execution of the project.

The third and fourth designs, originally mounted on the same page, combine a pen-and-brown-ink sketch for the Théâtre du Gymnase with a watercolor study for the Opéra-Comique, offering a rare glimpse into the process of theatrical set design in the late 19th century.

With their graphic refinement, their documentary value, and their professional provenance clearly identified by the Julien Belloir & Cie stamps, these designs are an integral part of the history of the decorative arts and Parisian theater.

Founded in 1715, the Opéra-Comique had been housed since 1783 in the Salle Favart, built on Place Boieldieu. Destroyed once in 1838 and then rebuilt in 1840, it was ravaged by the terrible fire of May 25, 1887, during a performance of *Mignon*, a catastrophe that claimed the lives of twenty-four people. The current theater, rebuilt by architect Léon Bernier, was inaugurated in 1897 by President Félix Faure.

A very beautiful presentation set, preserved with its original mounts and sold with its certificate of authenticity.

Good overall condition. A few slight signs of handling, minor wear, and old restorations or reinforcements consistent with the nature and fragility of late 19th-century tracing paper.
The set remains highly decorative and visually striking.

1st design: 65.5 x 24 cm
2nd design: 47.5 x 22 cm
3rd and 4th designs mounted on sheet: 38 x 26 cm