Theatre binoculars - 1850-1900

Pair of silvered metal theatre binoculars. They are decorated with a motif of birds and flowers, traditional of the Art Nouveau era.

Opera and theatre were, in the 19th century, essential venues for high society. People rushed there to see the new works of the greatest authors and composers. But they went mostly to be seen and to see others! An indispensable accessory to one’s grooming: the binoculars. They are mass-produced metal pieces in a compact size, easy to slip into a purse or a bag.

Art Nouveau, a vegetative style

Art Nouveau dates from the late 19th century. It lasted barely 20 years. Appearing in 1885, in reaction to the industrialization of previous styles, it gave way to Art Deco from 1905. This artistic movement is built on the aesthetics of curves, arabesques, vegetation, and nature. It favors depictions of flowers, insects, trees, and animals.