Fantastic Symphony; A Ball 1888

Henri Fantin-Latour created this lithograph, depicting a scene from Berlioz’s “Fantastic Symphony”. Notice the contrast between the solitary figures in the foreground and the mass of dancers behind them. The ball, a recurring motif in art and literature, symbolizes both social harmony and underlying chaos. This duality echoes the Dionysian festivals of ancient Greece, where ecstatic dance blurred the lines between order and frenzy. The image reflects a collective yearning for transcendence but also hints at the potential for disruption and madness, a sentiment felt during times of societal upheaval. Consider how the motif of the 'dance of death' emerges in medieval art, reminding viewers of mortality amidst life's pleasures. Here, the ball could be interpreted as a stage where life and death waltz together, a subconscious recognition of life's fleeting nature. Observe the formal attire of the figures, how this contrasts with the frenzied crowd. Ultimately, the image serves as a powerful conduit for our deepest psychological states, revealing a world of collective dreams and anxieties.