La première leçon c. 19th century

"La première leçon" (The First Lesson), an etching by Louis Legrand, captures the poignant moment of a young ballerina receiving instruction from her teacher. The scene is set in a simple room, with the young ballerina in a graceful pose and a stern-faced woman holding a cane looking on. The contrast between the delicate ballerina and the imposing figure of the teacher creates a sense of tension and anticipation, hinting at the dedication and discipline required to become a dancer. Created in the late 19th century, this print exemplifies the artistic styles of the period, showcasing the detail and emotional depth that characterized etching as a medium. This artwork is currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.