Fantine, from the Ballet Queens series (N182) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This chromolithograph of "Fantine," from the Ballet Queens series, was issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Notice how the artist employs a vibrant color scheme. The red and yellow of Fantine’s garments create a visually striking contrast against the muted blue of her trousers and the backdrop. This is a clear attempt to capture the viewer's attention through bold, contrasting colours. The composition follows a hierarchical structure. The figure of Fantine is centered with a clear emphasis on her waist, accentuated by her corset. The diagonal line formed by her leaning posture adds a sense of dynamism to an otherwise static scene. The texture, though flat, hints at the fabric's sheen, giving a tactile dimension to the image. The print invites us to consider how it engages with semiotic systems of representation, particularly the cultural codes associated with ballet and femininity. The figure is not merely a representation of a dancer, but an encoding of broader ideals of beauty, grace, and performance within 19th-century society.