Intermission at the ball 

Paul Cézanne created this ink drawing, Intermission at the Ball, sometime in the late 19th century. The sketch depicts a man and woman sitting closely, perhaps on a chaise lounge, during a break from dancing at a ball. As a Post-Impressionist, Cézanne was interested in capturing not just the appearance of a scene, but also its underlying structure and emotional resonance. This drawing offers a glimpse into the social rituals and gender dynamics of the time. The woman, in her elaborate gown, sits upright, her gaze directed towards the man. His posture is more relaxed, his attention seemingly fixed on something he holds in his hands. There is an implication of hierarchy here, where the woman's status is displayed through her attire and composure. Cézanne's sketch evokes a sense of fleeting intimacy amidst the grandeur of the ball. It invites us to consider the complexities of social interaction, the unspoken desires, and the power dynamics at play.