Masked Ball At The Moulin Rouge, Oil On Canvas By Chapuis

Masked Ball in a Grand Parisian Theater
French School, circa 1880-1900
Oil on canvas signed lower right
Dimensions with frame 110x93 cm
Gilt wood frame decorated with water leaves and pearls

This large masked ball scene shows all the excitement of a carnival in a large Parisian ballroom or theater of the late 19th century, evoking the atmosphere of the costume balls of the Palais Garnier, the former Opéra Le Peletier or more likely the Moulin Rouge in Paris.In the center, a leaping Pierrot leads the dance, surrounded by figures from the commedia dell'arte — Harlequin, Columbine, officers, marquises and amazons — in an effervescent festive atmosphere. The shimmering costumes, expressive attitudes and dense crowd evoke a carnival scene of great realism. In the bustling and joyful crowd we recognize the legendary Moulin Rouge dancer Valentin Le Désossé (1843-1907) recognizable by his nose and top hat, immortalized by Toulouse-Lautrec. We also recognize a French-Cancan dancer, the star dance of the Moulin Rouge.
The monumental decor - fluted columns, heavy chandeliers with tassels, upper gallery with orchestra - places the scene in a sumptuous theatrical architecture, characteristic of the great Parisian evenings under the Second Empire or the Third Republic.

Very good state of preservation.