WordLens

tableau

1 of 1noun
/tæˈbloʊ/
Forms:tableaux
1

a dramatic scene or picture, often presented on stage or in a performance

  • The movie's climactic battle scene was a vivid tableau of chaos and heroism.
  • The novel's opening chapter painted a tableau of a bustling city street on a rainy night.
  • The play's final act concluded with a haunting tableau of the protagonist standing alone on stage, bathed in a spotlight.
  • The artist's painting captured a moving tableau of a family gathered around the dinner table, each face expressing a different emotion.
  • As the curtains rose, the audience was greeted by a breathtaking tableau of the enchanted forest.
2

a group of models or statues arranged in an artistic way, representing a famous historical or fictitious scene

C2

A tableau is a scene or arrangement where models or statues are set up to show a specific moment, often from history or a story. These setups are designed to create a visually noticeable depiction of that scene, capturing the main idea of the moment in a fixed form. They are used in various art forms to bring historical or fictional events to life in a dramatic and artistic way.

  • The museum exhibit featured a tableau depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with meticulously crafted statues arranged around a replica of the historic document.
  • In the town square, a tableau commemorated the legendary battle of Troy, showcasing warriors and gods frozen in dramatic poses amid the chaos of war.
  • The theater production opened with a stunning tableau of the royal court, capturing the opulence and intrigue of a bygone era through elaborate costumes and striking set design.
  • At the art gallery, visitors marveled at a tableau inspired by Greek mythology, featuring gods and goddesses lounging on Mount Olympus amidst swirling clouds and golden light.
  • The artist's latest installation transformed a vacant storefront into a haunting tableau of urban decay, with broken mannequins and discarded objects arranged to evoke a sense of desolation and abandonment.
Synonyms:
tableau vivant