La danseuse c. 19th century

"La danseuse" is a painting by French artist Jean-Louis Forain, depicting a ballerina in a white tutu and pointe shoes. The dancer is seen from behind, as she stands on a stage, her back to the viewer, as if she is taking a bow. The painting is a beautiful example of Forain's mastery of light and shadow, with the dancer's form being illuminated by a soft, ethereal light. This late 19th-century work is an excellent example of Impressionist style. The painting captures a fleeting moment in time, and the dancer's pose is both graceful and melancholic. It is a reminder of the fragility and beauty of human life and the ephemerality of performance.