Opera Glasses Collection
"Through the Looking Glass: A Glimpse into Opera Glasses" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of opera glasses
For sale as Licensed Images
Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media
"Through the Looking Glass: A Glimpse into Opera Glasses" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of opera glasses, a timeless accessory that has enchanted theatergoers for centuries. From Renoir's captivating painting "La Loge (The Theatre Box)" to Verna Tallman's whimsical creation of a puppet with opera glasses, these small yet mighty tools have played an integral role in enhancing the theatrical experience. In Lewis Carroll's iconic novel "Through the Looking Glass, " we find Alice being inspected by a ticket-taker on a train, armed with his trusty opera glasses. This scene perfectly captures their significance as they allow us to observe every intricate detail from afar, bringing us closer to the magic unfolding before our eyes. Transporting us further into history, H. Reidel's pochoir print "Eventails" showcases exquisite fans adorned with delicate depictions of opera glasses. These prints serve as a testament to their elegance and allure during the early 20th century. Albert Guillaume's artwork titled "At the theatre" invites us into a bustling auditorium where patrons hold their breath while peering through their cherished opera glasses. The sense of anticipation is palpable as they await moments of tragedy or triumph depicted on stage. One cannot ignore the social aspect associated with these ornate accessories either. In an English cartoon from 1802, male audience members are captivated by Mademoiselle Parisot, a controversial French ballerina whose performance mesmerizes even those observing her through their trusted lenses. Private boxes like Drury Lane in 1837 provided affluent theater enthusiasts with exclusive views enhanced by personalized sets of opera glasses. These luxurious spaces allowed them to enjoy performances up close without missing any nuances or expressions displayed by talented actors and musicians alike. From lithographs depicting Italian operas in 1852 to etchings capturing modern-day theater audiences enthralled by live performances, they have stood the test of time.