Duel after the Masked Ball (recto)

1857

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Duel after the Masked Ball (recto) is a 1857 by Thomas Couture, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Thomas Couture
When & what style?: 1857 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting depicts a dramatic scene of two men engaged in a duel, set against a backdrop of a ballroom. The men are dressed in formal attire, with one figure holding a sword and the other grasping a mask. The atmosphere is tense, with the two individuals locked in a fierce stare. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, with the figures emerging from the shadows. The brushstrokes are bold and expressive, adding to the overall sense of drama and tension. For more on the artist behind this work, explore the art of Thomas Couture.