/ ˈtæbləʊ; NAmE -loʊ/ noun ( pl. tab·leaux / -ləʊ; -ləʊz; NAmE -loʊ; -loʊz/)
1.
a scene showing, for example, events and people from history, that is presented by a group of actors who do not move or speak :
The procession included a tableau of the Battle of Hastings.
( figurative )
She stood at the door observing the peaceful domestic tableau around the fire.
2.
a work of art, especially a set of statues, showing a group of people, animals, etc.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent. (in the sense picture , figuratively picturesque description ): from French , literally picture , diminutive of table , from Latin tabula plank, tablet, list.