Getty Museum
Before the Ball
Creator
Jean-François de TroyFrench Artist · 1679–1752
All works by this person →Jean-François de Troy made *tableaux de mode* famous. Rather than the idyllic, theatrical depictions of his predecessors, De Troy showed the life of fashionable French society in a detailed, accurate, and non-judgmental way. The lively, social De Troy made portraits, historical, mythological, and religious paintings. Born into a family of painters, De Troy studied with his father, then attended th
More on Getty ULAN- Date
- 1735
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Culture
- French
- Department
- Paintings
- Institution
- Getty Museum
A woman getting ready for the ball is caught mid-sentence as the two women lean in to listen to her and the maid puts the finishing touches on her mistress’s hair. Partially disguised and holding masks, the ladies wear lavish cloaks in anticipation of the evening festivities ahead. Candles flicker, illuminating the eager faces of the group and contributing to the mood of hushed expectancy. Jean-François de Troy developed the *tableaux de mode*— depictions of scenes from upper-class life with an emphasis on sumptuous costumes, opulent interiors, and hints of amorous intrigue. At the time, some critics disapproved of the aristocratic life of leisure celebrated by paintings like this one. *Before the Ball* was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1737 with its companion piece, *After the Ball*. When exhibited, the pair was declared de Troy's finest work.
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