Œil du prince

Due to the importance of these spectators, of course, many theater shows had their main movements and happenings designed in order to attract the attention of the prince's eye.

Beginning in the 17th century, Italian theatrical decoration became very influential in the use of constructions in perspective, which added greater realism to depth perception by the audience.

Sabbatini and others also invented the scene wings which run on grooves in the floor, allowing a quicker change of decorations during the intermissions.

These innovations produced what became known as the scènes à l’italienne in theatres in Italy, France and elsewhere in Europe.

In a metaphorical sense, the French language also uses the expression to typify any privileged view of an observer (such as in "he had the eye of the prince when he was covering Iraq's war"), or also in a way of acting so as to please the privileged observer (such as in "he tried to conquer the eye of the prince in his report").