Ballet at the Opera
1761
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
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Artist
Pierre-François Basan
Pierre-François Basan (1761–1761) was an artist.
See the richer artist page1761
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Ballet at the Opera is a 1761 ink by Pierre-François Basan, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a lively outdoor scene with people dressed in fancy 18th-century clothes. A group of dancers in flowing skirts and wigs are in the center, some holding hands or twirling. Around them, a few men in long coats and hats watch, while winged figures float nearby. The background has trees and a cloudy sky, giving it a dreamy feel. The title at the bottom says this is a "ballet" performed at the Opera, suggesting it’s a staged dance scene. The mix of real people and mythical winged figures makes it feel like a mix of everyday life and fantasy. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like Basan created these detailed prints.
Pierre-François Basan (1761–1761) was an artist.
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