Mlle Chabot, danseuse de l'Opéra, ou Jeune fille au chien 1888

Marcellin Desboutin created this print, "Mlle Chabot, danseuse de l'Opéra, ou Jeune fille au chien," using drypoint. Desboutin was an accomplished artist and an intimate of the Impressionists, and here he captures the dancer with a startling casualness. This work provides a glimpse into the life of a young dancer in late 19th-century Paris. While the Paris Opera was a celebrated institution, the lives of its dancers were often precarious. The title suggests two possible identities for the sitter: is she Mlle Chabot, a dancer, or simply a young girl with her dog? This ambiguity perhaps hints at the societal pressures and limited roles available to women at the time. Notice how the girl's direct gaze and relaxed posture challenge the traditional portrayal of women as passive subjects. The inclusion of the dog adds an element of domesticity and companionship, complicating the viewer's understanding of her identity. Desboutin invites us to consider the individual behind the role, capturing a fleeting moment of intimacy and vulnerability. It is a reminder of the complexities inherent in defining oneself within the confines of societal expectations.