Emily Starobrat
February 7, 2018
Observational Analysis : Opera Glasses
The object is small and metal. It has a silver outer shell that is covered with a red brown grip-like texture. The outer shell clicks open and splits in half to reveal what resembles a pair of binoculars. There is a small turning adjuster that focuses image when looking through the lenses. As a result of the object being able to expand when pushing a button leads me to believe that this object is made smaller in order for it to be portable. This compact object was probably stored away and then brought out to be used in a specific situation. It’s shape suggests this idea as well because of it being small and flat when closed. Based off of my initial observation about my object, I have hypothesized that it is a small pair of portable opera glasses used to view different types of shows decades ago. Each detail of the object is very particular and has a specific reason it was designed in that specific way. Exploring the following the history of use, specific magnification, reason for its small size will help one to better understand the reason for this object.
Throughout history there have been different instances in which viewers bring along a magnifying object to performances. One in particular that stands out is the opera. I began my research by exploring the history of binoculars. Binoculars were originally constructed out of two telescopes places together and has a magnification of only three times. They were later improved by Galileo Galilee to be able to magnify up to thirty times. The structure of these binoculars consisted of a body, lenses, focus wheel, eye cup and a bridge that sometimes had an adjustable hinge. There was also a mention of monomers which were a single viewing magnifying device that resembled a telescope. Both of which were decorated with engraving, ivory, enamel and even gems. Opera glasses were first mentioned in an advertisement in 1823 which were two telescopes that independently focused in each eye. As attending the opera or similar events became more popular opera glasses were often inscribed with personal messages and given as gifts.
Attending the opera was a social event where viewers dressed in their best outfits and brought along opera goggles or glasses as a must needed accessory. Opera-goers wore these extravagant outfits because especially in the early years of opera, they were part of the show as well, some attended the opera for more social than reasons.
Operas typically addressed different political points, mythological themes and elicited a range of emotions. Viewing the opera is a sensory experience, both one’s eyes and ears are filled with curated audio and visuals. Operas brought together many types of entertainment together including music singing dancing and speeches. While while audio what is the most important part of an opera visuals were also taking into effect. Artists painted backgrounds, sets and created props. Decorating the stages as well as the theaters with painted portraits of singers. Costumes were introduced and created for each performance. Once operas began to evolve, they introduced larger orchestras which included horns, drums and strings. Opera glasses allow the viewer to take in everything around them and focus on a particular area at a time. Allowing one to move one’s eyes towards the stage and focus on the singer or to drift around and admire the painted sets or get a closer look at the instrumentals.
My initial hypothesis about the magnification was that the level of magnification was low because it was an old object. From researching opera glasses, I have learned that their low magnification serves a purpose. A majority of magnification of these glasses tend to be around three times to four times magnification. Which allows the viewers to see detail such as the actors face, props and costumes but is not too close where they can still see the whole stage. This way viewers can join the action in one area of the stage but still be aware of what else is going on around them. In comparison to a pair of standard binoculars which has a magnification that ranges from eight times to twelve times. Binoculars are also sometimes able to zoom in comparison to opera glasses which usually only have one viewing setting.
This pair in particular has an extra feature, which is that it opens up. After hypothesizing that the object is designed small and opens in this particular way in order for it to be portable. Therefore it is designed like this so that it can fit in a small purse so that it can be taken out during a show. This smart design allows the user to store easily and can be very useful. In comparison to standard binocular design, opera glasses were designed smaller in order to be portable. A standard pair of binoculars do not need to consider size because typically it is not a concern. In comparison to standard binocular design, opera glasses were designed smaller in order to be portable. A standard pair of binoculars do not need to consider size because typically it is not a concern.
Opera glasses were used to aid in viewing a show as well as an accessory. With their detailed design and decorative elements, it is clear that these glasses may have been used a sign of status aside from their obvious use. While my pair of opera glasses is not as decorated with gold and engraving, it does have an outer coating that serves a purpose. Due to the glasses being so small, it seem essential for them to have a grip-like outer texture. Allowing the user to hold on tight to this small object. The word “Stellar” is engraved in the front of the opera glasses in between the two lenses. Which after research I have discovered that they are a pair of vintage opera glasses made by Stellar a japanese company from the 1950s. They were made smaller and portable in order for them to be carried similar to a cigarette case.
In order to research these particular details I used a variety of research avenues including books, articles and online resources. Each discusses opera glasses in a different way, giving details of the history, use and the theory of its design. From the research I conclude that the object I chose is a pair of “Stellar” opera style binoculars used in the 1950 – 1970s. It was designed small and foldable in order to allow it to be transported anywhere. Its grip-like outer texture allows the user to grip onto the body of the binoculars in order to stabilize and hold them tightly. The magnification of them while only at two point seven times, allows for the user to see in the distance and focus on a particular person or place while also being able to see everything else around them. Unlike the past, these binoculars are used more for utility rather than a social or status symbol. This is emphasized through its minimalistic design that does not include any extra extravagant details such or materials. It is made of a durable metal and outer coating which helps ensure it will be long lasting. It was most likely used to view things from a distance but because it is incapable of viewing a very far distance, the binocular were probably used for viewing shows or concerts from the stands.
Citations
Sorabella, Jean. “The Opera.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/opra/hd_opra.htm
Schejtman-Gilai, Merav. “History of Binoculars”, http://www.gilai.com/article_22/Collectors-Guide-to-Opera-Glasses-History–Structure-and-More
Perry, David. “Opera Glasses Verses Binoculars” http://www.fineoperaglasses.com/pages/opera-glasses-vs-binoculars.html
Rabb, Theodore. “Introduction: Opera, Musicology and History”, 2006, 68-73
Smithsonian, “Opera Glasses” http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1456701