Artwork
Epilogue for a Masked Ball
Epilogue for a Masked Ball is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Romà Ribera i Cirera. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1896 by Catalan painter Romà Ribera i Cirera, *Epilogue for a Masked Ball* is an oil on canvas that now belongs to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. The work captures a solitary figure in a dimly lit alley, his black uniform and mask contrasting with the muted architecture behind him.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, a man in a formal black uniform and a round-brimmed hat, leans forward to examine a small red‑and‑white object on the cobblestones. The quiet, empty passage and his focused posture suggest a moment of curiosity or discovery after a festive gathering, hinting at the aftermath of a masked celebration.
Technique & Style
Ribera employs a precise, almost photographic realism characteristic of his genre paintings, while the colour palette reflects post‑impressionist influences through subtle tonal shifts and a restrained use of vivid accents, such as the red‑white object. Fine brushwork renders the textures of fabric, metal, and stone with meticulous care.
History & Provenance
The canvas entered the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya shortly after its acquisition by the institution, where it has remained on public display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s late‑career output, a period when he combined contemporary scenes with historical references.
Context
Ribera’s oeuvre frequently depicted the leisure activities of the upper classes, and this painting continues that interest by focusing on a solitary, masked participant rather than a crowded ballroom. The work reflects the late‑19th‑century fascination with masquerade culture and the social rituals surrounding it.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Romà Ribera i Cirera (13 December 1848, Barcelona - 29 May 1935, Barcelona) was a Catalan genre painter.
