The artwork “Maxime Dethomas At the Ball of the Opera” is an oil on cardboard painting created by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1896. Measuring 67.5 cm by 62.5 cm, it belongs to the Post-Impressionism movement and is categorized as a portrait. Toulouse-Lautrec’s work is renowned for capturing the lively scenes of Parisian nightlife and the colorful characters within it.
The artwork presents a moment of intimate observation at a ball. The central figure is a gentleman dressed in formal attire, including a top hat, who is depicted from behind and in profile, suggesting both engagement and detachment from the surrounding festivities. He is seated at a table, his hand holding a walking stick and resting casually next to a glass. His posture and the facial profile convey contemplation or perhaps a momentary respite from the revelry.
In the background, there are other figures—women in flowing dresses and pastel tones—who seem to be engaged in conversation or waiting, adding to the dynamic social scene typical of such events. Their faces are rendered with less detail, which emphasizes the focus on the seated man. The artwork is rendered with energetic and broad brushstrokes, indicative of the Post-Impressionist style, imbuing the scene with a sense of movement and vibrancy. The use of lighting and color contrast between the foreground and background further accentuates the division between the contemplative subject and the lively environment of the ball.
