Scène de bal 1887

Jean-Louis Forain, created this watercolor and gouache painting, entitled Scène de bal, at the turn of the 20th century in France. It depicts a society ball, a popular subject among artists at the time. Forain was known for his satirical depictions of Parisian life, and this painting is no exception. The artist captures the opulence and superficiality of the upper class through the man's formal wear, the woman's extravagant dress, and the crowded ballroom. This lends itself to a wider discussion of class structure in France during the Belle Époque. The woman holds a fan to her face as if to hide her identity. Is the painting simply of an intimate moment or a commentary on the social mores of the time? By researching the social history of balls and other social gatherings in Belle Époque Paris, we can learn more about the meaning of this artwork.