La Baignoire, au théâtre des Variétés (1883)

Jean Béraud's 1883 painting, “La Baignoire, au théâtre des Variétés,” captures a fascinating moment of Parisian theatrical life during the Belle Époque. The scene is set in a luxurious private box at the Théâtre des Variétés, a renowned venue for light opera and comedy—a cultural hub in the heart of Paris.The artwork vividly portrays two figures, a man and a woman, each absorbed in a different aspect of the theatrical experience. The woman, elegantly attired in a pale blue dress with a bustling train and matching hat, stands entranced, peering through the curtain, presumably lost in the performance onstage. Her posture and the slight tilt of her head suggest a keen interest and perhaps a touch of emotion stirred by the spectacle.Adjacent to her, a man seated in the opulence of the box, dressed in a formal black suit and white tie, represents a contrast in both posture and engagement. He looks out toward the viewer with an expression of relaxed contemplation, perhaps reflecting on the scene or simply taking a moment to observe the audience.Behind them, through the doorway, the grandeur of the theatre unfolds. The bustling crowd in the stalls below, along with the musicians in the orchestra pit, are rendered with less detail, yet they contribute significantly to the atmosphere of the setting. Rich, dark tones dominate the palette, punctuated by highlights that catch the glow of the theatre lights, enhancing the overall feeling of warmth and vibrancy.