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Document Details :

Title: De theaterdecorateur als binnenhuisarchitect
Subtitle: Albert Dubosqs interieurdecors vanuit historisch-typologisch perspectief
Author(s): FORMENT, Bruno
Journal: Tijdschrift voor Interieurgeschiedenis en Design
Volume: 39    Date: 2014-2016   
Pages: 103-116
DOI: 10.2143/GBI.39.0.3170118

Abstract :
In recent decades, much attention has been devoted to the theatre interior, yet one essential type of theatre interior has been grossly overlooked: the interior stage set. What dramaturgical function did interior sets fulfil? Which technological and aesthetic challenges did they confront stage designers with? And in what ways did the fictional product of the stage designer reflect the portfolio of the interior designer in the ‘illusionistic’ era (c. 1600-1914)? In order to address these questions, this article discusses the career of one of the few decorators whose full-sized creations have been preserved: Albert Dubosq (Paris, 1863–Lyon, 1940). Between 1890 and 1923, the Brussels workshop of Dubosq realised at least four hundred orders, a sample of which has been preserved in the form of twenty-two sets (1913-23) at the Schouwburg Kortrijk (Belgium). This important heritage – the largest collection of historical scenery in Europe – represents interiors in virtually all common types. A historical-typological analysis of these sets, or a select number of them, provides a fresh look at a craft that fascinated generations with illusions made from paint, canvas and timber.

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