Opera glasses

Glasses

Night at the opera
The earliest advertisements for opera glasses date from 1730, at the time still in the form of a long collapsible telescope. Around 1823 the first binocular copies appeared in Vienna. They became small and discreet so that theatre visitors did not cause any distractions. Because of the front row view on a play, opera or ballet performance from the theatre hall or balcony, the popularity of the attribute quickly grew. Details, such as the facial expressions of the actors, are more visible while the overview is maintained. Many copies are luxuriously finished with enamel, gems, ivory or art paintings. There are versions with a chain or handle and a light for reading the program discreetly during the performance.
  
Image: Paris, 1930-1939. © Lemaire

 

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