Façade de l’Opéra un soir de gala 1867 - 1935

"Façade de l’Opéra un soir de gala" by Jean Béraud depicts the bustling scene outside the Paris Opera House on a gala evening. Painted between 1867 and 1935, the artwork showcases Béraud's keen observation of Parisian life, capturing the elegance and grandeur of a social event. The painting features a mounted police officer amidst a flurry of horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians, emphasizing the contrast between the official authority and the lively atmosphere of the city. The soft, muted tones and the use of light and shadow create a sense of depth and movement, immersing the viewer in the nocturnal ambiance of the scene.