Early 20th Century Art Deco Handmade Papier Mâché Civic Opera Pharaoh Drop

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Early 20th Century Art Deco Handmade Papier Mâché Civic Opera Pharaoh Drop

About the Item

Impressive all original circa 1920s American Art Deco papier mâché Egyptian pharaoh head with original hand-painted polychrome painted finish handcrafted by artists employed under the civic opera company of Chicago. Inventory and/or prop placement markings are found on the backside of the head in bold black paint. The Egyptian revival style prop is reinforced with an internal wood frame. the prop was originally a part of a vast collection of numerous sets, costumes, stage equipment, etc. the Chicago civic opera company were involved in all aspects of stages, stage scenery, backdrops, costumes and props that were designed, constructed, painted and detailed on site or in their main facility or shop. Costumes were handmade, steam-cleaned and stored on racks or in large wooden cases. The factory or shop was designed for the necessary construction and storage of over 100 complete operas. The Chicago-based opera warehouse building served as the set, stage and costume fabrication and storage facility for the lyric opera of Chicago (previously the civic opera and even earlier as the Chicago grand opera) for over 80 years. The building was designed by the architectural firm of graham, Anderson, Probst & white. Built in sections between 1912 and 1924, the building was specially designed to accommodate the unique demands of large-scale opera sets, with oversized ceilings, concrete floors, and huge freight elevators. Over the years, hundreds of sets, backdrops, costumes, equipment and staging were designed, rigged, repaired and stored for use by the opera. the many costume designers, tradespeople, set and stage designers and builders brought to life representations of love, struggle, war, celebration, and of course song. Opera companies around the world collaborated with the lyric opera and its predecessors and utilized the facility as well. The building overflowed with every manner of stage and set, from costumes to carriages and faux villas to Italian promenades. Very rare and highly desirable piece.

Dimensions:
Height: 22 in (55.88 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Style:
Egyptian Revival (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper,Wood,Cast
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1920-1929
Date of Manufacture:
1920s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. There is wearing to the paint on the face. It is structurally sound and can hang on the wall. The blue color is still vibrant. there are no breaks in the paper mache.
Seller Location:
Chicago, IL
Reference Number:
Seller: 238971stDibs: LU248936620113