Bals De L’opéra En 1899 1899

Jules Chéret's poster, a lithograph, invites us to the opulence of the Bal de l'Opéra in 1899, showcasing the recurring motif of masked figures. The mask, a potent symbol, hints at the blurring of reality and illusion. We see figures in harlequin costumes reminiscent of commedia dell'arte; a theatrical tradition that flourished in Europe since the 16th century, where archetypal characters use masks to hide behind a role. This can be traced back to ancient Greek theatre, where masks were used to amplify expressions and project voices. The persistence of the mask throughout history reflects humanity's ongoing fascination with identity, performance, and the hidden self. Carl Jung believed that masks represent the 'persona'—the social face we present to the world, concealing our true nature. This poster cleverly exploits this tension, inviting us to partake in a night where true identities are veiled, and societal expectations are temporarily suspended. The image draws us into a collective, subconscious experience. The Bal de l'Opéra then becomes a stage for primal, celebratory impulses.