Bal de Barriere drawing 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this drawing called "Bal de Barriere" in France, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. It offers a glimpse into the social life of working-class Parisians, a world Steinlen knew well. The drawing shows a crowded dance hall, alive with movement. We see couples embracing, their bodies swaying to music we can almost hear. The figures are rendered with quick, expressive lines, conveying the energy and vibrancy of the scene. But look closer, and you'll notice a police officer standing guard, a reminder of the social control exerted over these public spaces. Steinlen's work often critiqued the social structures of his time, and his images circulated widely in newspapers and journals. To understand this drawing fully, we need to consider the history of Parisian nightlife, policing, and the role of artists like Steinlen in documenting and commenting on these aspects of modern life. Careful archival research can help reveal the layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple scene.