Balletscène met nimfen 1865 - 1868

Charles Rochussen made this lithograph, "Ballet Scene with Nymphs," in the Netherlands, at a time when lithography was becoming a popular medium for disseminating images. It depicts a group of female figures in a theatrical or balletic setting, adorned with floral garlands. The image presents a constructed vision of femininity and beauty, typical of its time. Ballet, as an institution, often reinforced specific ideals of femininity and social grace. The setting, perhaps backstage, offers a glimpse into the world of performance and the labor involved in creating these illusions. To understand this piece better, we might research the history of ballet in the Netherlands, the social expectations of women, and the role of lithography in shaping public perceptions. Studying historical documents, theater programs, and critical reviews could shed light on its cultural context and how it might have been received. The meaning of this artwork, like any other, is heavily influenced by its social and institutional surroundings.