Les Dames Hongroise 1888

This is Jules Chéret’s poster advertising the performance of "Les Dames Hongroises" or "The Hungarian Ladies" at the Musée Grévin in Paris. In this image from the late 19th century, Chéret captures the cultural fascination with exoticism. The poster prominently features an all-female orchestra, an unusual sight at the time, led by a female conductor, Hajnalka Thuoldt. We might ask ourselves, what does it mean to see women in roles traditionally held by men? Does this challenge or reinforce gender stereotypes? The women are dressed in what was likely perceived as traditional Hungarian attire, feeding into a romanticized view of Eastern European culture. Moreover, the choice of a Hungarian orchestra adds another layer to the poster. What does it mean to showcase a culture that is both European and yet perceived as ‘other’? The poster encourages us to reflect on the complex interplay between gender, cultural identity, and performance. It speaks to our present moment, where visibility and representation continue to be pressing issues.