The Ball of July 14 1889

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this painting of the Ball of July 14th using oil on canvas, a very traditional method of art-making. Here, the thick brushstrokes and muted color palette render a smoky, nocturnal atmosphere, a stark contrast to the joyous occasion. The material’s capacity for blending creates a sense of movement and a blurred sense of the crowd as the eye dances across the canvas. The composition emphasizes the energy of the crowd, packed together, celebrating through dance and drinking. The act of painting itself becomes a social act, recording everyday life and leisure, reminiscent of other artists like Renoir, who focused on similar subjects. But here, Steinlen's approach lacks the glamour, instead creating a somewhat sombre, more genuine image of revelry. By choosing an everyday subject and using traditional materials with an earthy color palette, Steinlen elevates a simple street festival to a scene worthy of consideration, inviting viewers to reflect on the value and beauty of lived experience.