The artwork titled “Le Bal Masqué” is a creation by the artist Gerda Wegener, who was part of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This artwork falls under the genre of nude painting, or “nu”.
In the artwork, a dynamic and whimsical masquerade scene is depicted, featuring three costumed figures engaged in playful revelry. Central to the composition is a woman adorned with pink butterfly wings, reclining across a table, her coquettish expression and posture inviting the viewer’s gaze. To the left, a figure in a devil costume extends an arm towards her, adding an element of fantasy and mischief. On the right, another costumed individual, clad in an elaborate teal garment with a powdered wig, is caught in a suggestive stance, enhancing the provocative nature of the scene. The backdrop is characterized by an elegant, richly decorated interior with patterned walls and round mirrors, encapsulating the opulence and playful decadence associated with a masked ball. The oval framing of the scene further accentuates its intimate and voyeuristic quality.
