Artwork
The Dance
The Dance is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Pietro Longhi. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
The Dance is an oil on canvas painting created by Pietro Longhi around 1750. It is a genre scene depicting everyday life in Venice.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows five people in a simple room, dancing formally in a circle. Their serious expressions and elaborate attire, including powdered wigs and silk skirts, contrast with the plain surroundings, suggesting a subtle humor in their pretentiousness.
Technique & Style
Longhi's work is characterized by a quiet irony, as he captures the mundane with a touch of satire. The dancers' stiff postures and serious faces add to the comedic effect, highlighting the disparity between their refined clothing and the unadorned setting.
History & Provenance
The Dance is held at the Art Institute of Chicago, which houses other works by Longhi that similarly depict Venetian daily life with a nuanced sense of humor.
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Artist & collection
