Artwork

The Great Russian Ball at the Academy of Music, November 5, 1863

The Great Russian Ball at the Academy of Music, November 5, 1863, by American 19th Century, ink, 1863
The Great Russian Ball at the Academy of Music, November 5, 1863, by American 19th Century, ink, 1863

The Great Russian Ball at the Academy of Music, November 5, 1863 is an ink print by the Impressionist artist American 19th Century. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Great Russian Ball at the Academy of Music, November 5, 1863, is a wood engraving depicting a vibrant scene of a packed ballroom. The artwork captures the dynamism of a high-society event with meticulous attention to detail.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a grand social gathering at the Academy of Music, highlighting the luxury and liveliness of 19th-century elite social events. The scene conveys the energy and joy of the attendees through their interactions and the bustling atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Executed in wood engraving, the piece utilizes sharp lines to convey movement, evoking the immediacy of quick sketches. The artist's technique effectively blurs the crowd into a unified, dynamic mass, emphasizing the event's vibrancy.

Context

Created in 1863, the engraving reflects the social and cultural landscape of its time, showcasing the opulence of Russian high society gatherings during this period.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not provided, the work remains a notable document of 19th-century social life, preserved through the durable medium of wood engraving.

Artist & collection

Portrait of American 19th Century

Artist

American 19th Century

This artist painted everyday American life in the 1800s. Look at *Farmhouse in Mahantango Valley*—a quiet, sunlit scene of rural Pennsylvania. *Boy and Girl* shows two children standing close, their faces turned toward…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.