La réception 

Jean Béraud captured a vibrant Parisian reception in paint, a snapshot of late 19th-century high society. The gathering buzzes with activity, split between the brightly lit ballroom and the more intimate, dimly lit lounge. Note the stark contrast: women adorned in vibrant gowns populate one space, while men in black tailcoats dominate the other. This visual division reflects the societal norms of the time, and the separation of genders in social spaces. The contrast reminds me of earlier Renaissance paintings where the Virgin Mary is cloistered from the world. Here, the women are also put on display, like sacred figures for men to gather around. This visual separation highlights the ritualized performance of social roles, echoing through time. These themes have repeatedly surfaced in art, from antiquity to today, proving the enduring human need to define roles and spaces. Such symbols engage us on a deep level, reminding us of social norms.