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

The Great Russian Ball at the Academy of Music, November 5, 1863 is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Great Russian Ball at the Academy of Music, November 5, 1863, is a print by Winslow Homer, dating to 1863. It captures a vibrant ballroom scene from a 19th-century Russian social event.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a joyful ballroom filled with couples dancing in formal attire. Women wear long, flowing dresses, while men are dressed in suits and hats. Observers in the foreground watch the dancers, conveying a sense of communal celebration and enjoyment.

Technique & Style
The detailed foreground contrasts with a less defined, high-ceilinged background, suggesting a focus on the social dynamics of the event.

Although Homer is noted for his work in oil painting, this piece is a print. Notably, the description of the work's style as Impressionist may be misleading, as Homer's primary association is with Realism and his transition towards Impressionist tendencies is more relevant in later works. The detailed foreground contrasts with a less defined, high-ceilinged background, suggesting a focus on the social dynamics of the event.

History & Provenance

Created in 1863 by Winslow Homer, a largely self-taught artist who began as a commercial illustrator, the print is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

While often associated with American and marine themes, this work showcases Homer's capability in depicting European social scenes. However, it's worth noting the potential inaccuracy in labeling this work as part of the Impressionism movement, as Homer's style at this time was more closely aligned with Realism.

Legacy

The Great Russian Ball contributes to Homer's diverse portfolio, highlighting his ability to capture dynamic social moments. Its legacy lies in its representation of 19th-century European high society through an American artist's lens.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Winslow Homer

Artist

Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer (February 24, 1836 – September 29, 1910) was an American landscape painter and illustrator, best known for his marine subjects.

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