Large Antique French Trompe L’Oeil Painted Canvas Theater Backdrop, Circa 1920s

Originally a scenic backdrop for a French theater during the 1920s, this large painted canvas can be considered a trompe-l’œil. A trompe-l’oeil (literally “deceive the eye”) is a style of optical illusion painting that gives the viewer a realistic depiction of objects in space.

Large canvas paintings such as this were first used as theater backdrops centuries ago, but they are difficult to locate today. A large backdrop such as this (almost 10 feet tall and over 12 feet wide) is even rarer, making this a fantastic find. Adding to the uniqueness of the canvas is the fact that both sides are painted, featuring two unique landscapes. The most dynamic illustration is that of an unpaved pathway leading through a large forest (as seen in the main photo). Barely visible behind the massive green and yellow canopy of leaves is a light blue sky. The same sky blue color dominates the verso side, which depicts a silent beach beneath a clear sky (see detail photos). Realistic waves can be seen in the rough sea, as the choppy water approaches the sand that is lined with large, brown rocks. Our large painted canvas backdrop would be the focal point of any large space in the house, such as a grand foyer or the back wall of a staircase.