Bal du rat mort2 Jean-Francois Charles

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of figures and landscapes, immediately establishing a sense of unease and surrealism. In the central scene, a humanoid figure with distinctly animalistic features – a wolf or jackal-like mask dominates its face – holds aloft a limp female form. The woman’s posture suggests unconsciousness or vulnerability; her body is draped in flowing white fabric that contrasts sharply with the earthy tones of the surrounding environment.
The setting appears to be a field, rendered in a somewhat stylized manner with tall grasses and a distant cluster of buildings. A group of smaller figures are visible further back, seemingly observing the central event from a distance; their expressions are difficult to discern but contribute to an atmosphere of detached witness or complicity. The overall color palette is dominated by oranges, yellows, and greens, creating a warm yet unsettling visual tone.
A circular inset image occupies the lower right corner. Here we see a woman with dark hair and striking eyes gazing at a mouse perched on her shoulder. Her expression is complex – a mixture of curiosity, perhaps even tenderness – while the mouse appears alert and observant. The background in this vignette is soft and muted, creating a dreamlike quality that contrasts with the more defined lines of the central scene.
The text LE BAL DU RAT MORT positioned at the top suggests a narrative context involving death or decay (rat mort translates to “dead rat”). This title, combined with the imagery, implies a macabre celebration or ritualistic gathering. The juxtaposition of the animalistic figure and the passive female form could be interpreted as representing predation, power dynamics, or perhaps even a distorted reflection of human relationships.
The inset image introduces another layer of meaning. It might symbolize an individual’s connection to something seemingly insignificant or undesirable – the mouse – and suggests a potential for empathy or understanding in unexpected places. The contrast between the two scenes creates a sense of ambiguity; is the central event a consequence of the womans relationship with the mouse, or are they entirely separate narratives?
The work seems to explore themes of vulnerability, observation, and the unsettling intersection of humanity and animality, all within a framework that hints at a dark and complex narrative.