Les belles de nuit 1905

Jean Béraud's 'Les belles de nuit' is a masterclass in subtle observation, painted with an eye for the nuances of social life. Imagine Béraud at his easel, trying to capture that fleeting expression, the way light filters through the trees, or how a puff of smoke seems to hang in the air. The paint looks thinly applied, almost translucent, creating a sense of atmosphere and depth. Look at the way he’s painted the figures, especially the women in their elaborate dresses and hats. There's a dance-like quality to the arrangement, a choreography of glances and gestures. I wonder if Béraud knew he was part of a long line of painters, like Manet and Degas, who were fascinated by the spectacle of modern life. Each artist adding their own touch, responding to the times, and pushing the boundaries of what painting could be. This piece reminds us that art is an ongoing conversation, a back-and-forth across generations, with each artist riffing on the themes and ideas of those who came before. It's about finding your own voice within that chorus, and adding your own unique perspective to the mix.