One Female Figure.
This tableau is suggested by the beautiful picture by De la Roche, one
of the most eminent of French painters. The best portrait of Napoleon
I. was painted by this artist. The subject of the painter is
Gabrielle. The person who represents this portrait should have fine
Grecian features, small figure, and hair that will curl profusely. The
costume consists of a pink brocade cut low at the top, open in the
form of a square in front, and trimmed with white lace and black
velvet. The hair must be parted in the centre of the forehead, puffed
out at the side, and arranged in short curls in the neck. A band of
velvet one inch wide in the middle, and tapered to a point at each
end, with a silver star studded with spangles on the widest part,
should be placed around the head. The frame, behind which the lady
takes her seat, is constructed as follows: Out of boards make a solid
frame, four feet long and three feet wide, with a cornice on the
outside. From the centre, cut out an oval three feet long and two feet
wide; cover the frame with black cambric or velvet, and ornament the
cornice and edge of the oval with gold paper; place the frame at the
back of the stage on a platform or box three feet high, three feet
wide, and two feet deep; fasten the frame by means of hooks or screws
to the top of the box, flush with the front; attach a heavy crimson
cord and tassel to the top, and pass it over a brass hook screwed to
the ceiling. The lady takes her seat behind the frame, in such a
position as will display a partial side view of the head and chest in
the centre of the oval, the eyes cast down, the countenance expressing
sorrow. After the lady has taken her position, the box must be
entirely covered with black cambric, and a curtain of the same
material should be fastened to the top of the frame, and allowed to
trail back of the lady to the floor. With a medium quantity of light
from the front of the stage, the tableau at a distance will resemble a
painted portrait. A large variety of pictures can be produced in this
manner, and at little expense. Music for this scene should be of a
sacred character, and quite soft.