How Beautiful SheIs! Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a scene of opulent revelry within what appears to be a grand ballroom. A central couple dominates the composition; the woman, adorned in a voluminous white gown with elaborate drapery, is being led by a man in formal attire. The artist has rendered them as the focal point, bathed in light emanating from an ornate chandelier suspended above.
Around this central pair swirls a throng of figures, all dressed in similarly extravagant clothing indicative of a high social class. Their faces are caricatured with exaggerated expressions – some appear to be laughing, others seem vacant or absorbed in their own enjoyment. The density of the crowd creates a sense of claustrophobia and excess.
The artist’s use of hatching and cross-hatching establishes tonal variation and texture, contributing to the overall impression of theatricality. Deep shadows frame the scene, emphasizing the brightness of the ballroom and drawing attention to the figures within. This contrast enhances the feeling of spectacle and artificiality.
Subtly, a critique seems embedded within this depiction of extravagance. The exaggerated features and somewhat grotesque expressions on the faces of the attendees suggest a commentary on superficiality and the performative nature of high society. There is an air of mockery; the scene isnt presented as celebratory but rather as observed with a degree of detached irony. The sheer number of people, packed tightly together, hints at a lack of genuine connection despite their shared status.
The drawing’s composition directs the viewer’s gaze towards the central couple, yet simultaneously traps them within this swirling mass of indulgence. This juxtaposition creates a sense of unease and questions the true nature of beauty and happiness in such an environment.