The Variety Theatre in Paris 1912

Magnus Enckell painted “The Variety Theatre in Paris” with oils, in what I think of as a beautiful impressionistic style. The way Enckell lays down these strokes, it’s like he’s trying to capture not just the scene, but the whole experience of being there. You know, the anticipation, the buzz of the crowd, the glow of the stage? Look closely, and you can see how he’s built up the layers of color, especially around the stage area. It’s this mix of pinks, yellows, and oranges that makes the whole space seem to vibrate with light. And the way the audience is painted, with just a few strokes, gives you this sense of a collective presence, a sea of faces all focused on the same thing. This piece reminds me of Bonnard, he also had that knack for capturing the everyday, turning fleeting moments into something really special. For me, it’s a reminder that art isn’t about perfect representation, but about capturing a feeling, an impression, something that stays with you long after you’ve left the theatre.