Tableau

Definition

A silent and motionless arrangement of people representing a scene, often artistic or historical; also refers to any striking visual scene or composition. In literature and art, it describes a vivid, static picture.

Example Usage

The museum's tableau vivant recreation of a Victorian parlor transported visitors back a century.

Origin

From French tableau, meaning 'picture' or 'painting,' derived from Latin tabula (board or table).

Fun Fact

Tableau vivant (living picture) became a popular entertainment in 19th-century drawing rooms, where people would pose as famous artworks.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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