Who painted The Russian Ball - In the Supper Room?

The Russian Ball - In the Supper Room was painted by Winslow Homer in 1863.

Where can I see The Russian Ball - In the Supper Room?

The Russian Ball - In the Supper Room is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Russian Ball - In the Supper Room?

The Russian Ball - In the Supper Room is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Russian Ball - In the Supper Room

Winslow Homer , 1863

The Russian Ball - In the Supper Room 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. The work titled *The Russian Ball – In the Supper Room* (1863) presents a bustling gathering within an opulently appointed interior.

About this work

Overview

The work titled *The Russian Ball – In the Supper Room* (1863) presents a bustling gathering within an opulently appointed interior. Though often catalogued as a print, the image reflects the same compositional vigor found in Winslow Homer's larger studio pieces, capturing a moment of social interaction among well‑dressed participants.

Subject & Meaning

The scene focuses on a festive ball held in a Russian‑styled dining hall, where guests mingle, converse, and partake in refreshments. The composition emphasizes the convivial atmosphere and the cultural nuances of a mid‑nineteenth‑century celebration, offering viewers a glimpse into the customs and attire of the period.

Technique & Style

Executed with a dense, carefully weighted application of medium, the image displays the painterly qualities typical of Homer's studio practice. The handling of light and shadow, together with a restrained palette, creates a sense of depth and materiality that mirrors the tactile richness of oil painting, despite the work’s classification as a print.

History & Provenance

Created during a prolific phase of Homer's career, the piece belongs to a body of work that straddles his early figurative compositions and his later focus on landscape and marine subjects. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of 19th‑century American art.

Context

The artwork emerges from a period when Homer was transitioning from commercial illustration to a reputation as a leading American painter. While he was gaining recognition for both oils and watercolors, this work reflects his continued interest in narrative genre scenes, illustrating the social life of his era alongside his evolving artistic concerns.