Waltz Hermitage ~ Part 05

The drawing presents a scene of social interaction centered around dancing. Two pairs of figures dominate the composition; they are engaged in what appears to be a waltz. The artist has divided the space into two distinct areas, each occupied by a couple.
On the left side, we observe a man and woman whose attire suggests a less formal setting or perhaps a lower social stratum. The man is clad in a loose-fitting shirt, trousers tucked into boots, and a cap pulled low over his brow. His posture conveys an energetic, almost frantic movement as he leads the dance. The woman’s dress, while still adhering to contemporary fashion with its high waistline, appears simpler and less elaborate than that of the couple on the right. Her expression is animated, bordering on slightly wild.
In contrast, the pair on the right embodies a more refined elegance. The man wears a meticulously tailored military-style jacket adorned with decorative embellishments, a crisp white shirt, and breeches. His posture is upright and controlled, indicative of a gentlemanly demeanor. The woman’s dress is pristine white, emphasizing her status and grace. Her expression is demure, suggesting propriety and restraint.
The artist employs exaggerated proportions to create a satirical effect. Both the man on the left and the woman in the right appear somewhat caricatured, with enlarged features that amplify their respective characteristics. This distortion serves to highlight the differences between the two couples and implicitly comments on social hierarchies and expectations surrounding dance etiquette.
The title inscribed at the top, La Valse, and the phrase below, “Le Bon Genre, N°1,” further reinforce this commentary. The waltz was a relatively new and controversial dance in its time, associated with perceived moral laxity due to its close embrace. By juxtaposing these two couples – one seemingly unrestrained and the other rigidly controlled – the artist likely critiques societal anxieties surrounding the changing social landscape of the era. The Good Style designation suggests an attempt at upholding traditional values amidst a period of rapid change and evolving customs.
The overall impression is one of playful observation, using caricature to explore themes of class distinction, propriety, and the impact of new cultural trends on established norms.