La Baignoire, au théâtre des Variétés 1883

Jean Béraud captured this moment at the Théâtre des Variétés, using oil on canvas, with a composition that intrigues through its construction. The visual experience is immediately dominated by the juxtaposition of light and shadow. The artist skillfully uses chiaroscuro to draw our attention to the figures in the box, setting them apart from the blurred background of the theatre. The woman's pale blue dress and the man’s crisp white shirt and tie create focal points against the dark, enveloping space. Béraud uses line and form to convey the social dynamic, the elegant curve of the woman’s back and the relaxed posture of the man. They function as semiotic markers of wealth and leisure. Béraud’s technique challenges traditional notions of space and perspective. By obscuring parts of the scene, he invites us to interpret what is hidden, highlighting the voyeuristic element inherent in theatre-going. This element becomes part of a larger social commentary.