Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - tableau

 noun  (plural ~x; also ~s)  Etymology: French, from Middle French tablel, diminutive of table, from Old French  Date: 1660  1. a graphic description or representation ; picture winsome ~x of old-fashioned literary days — J. D. Hart  2. a striking or artistic grouping ; arrangement, scene  3. short for ~ vivant (from French, literally, living picture) a depiction of a scene usually presented on a stage by silent and motionless costumed participants