Stephanie, from the Ballet Queens series (N182) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This chromolithograph of Stephanie, from the Ballet Queens series, was issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Note how Stephanie’s figure is brought to life with a vibrant palette of reds, yellows, and blues. These colors aren’t just decorative; they structure the composition, creating a visual hierarchy that draws the eye. The asymmetry of her pose, leaning against a backdrop, adds a dynamic tension to the scene. Here we see formalism at play— the elements of line, color, and form are not merely representational but serve as the very language through which the image communicates. This challenges traditional notions of representation, inviting us to consider how art destabilizes established meanings. Stephanie doesn't just portray a dancer; it deconstructs the visual codes through which we perceive beauty and movement. Examine the tension between flatness and depth. The tension between the illusion of form and the self-awareness of its constructed nature challenges our understanding of perception. It reminds us that art is not a mirror reflecting reality but a lens refracting it, continually inviting reinterpretation.