The Ball

Mogens Balle

MEDIUMEngraving on ivory laid paper
DIMENSIONSSheet trimmed within platemark: 22 × 31.6 cm (8 11/16 × 12 1/2 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONPrints and Drawings
CULTUREGermany
CREDIT LINEClarence Buckingham Collection

Step into a 16th-century European court ball, bustling with elegantly dressed figures and musicians. This engraving captures the vibrant pageantry and intricate fashions of a specific historical festival.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This lively engraving invites you into a grand ballroom, where finely dressed couples mingle and dance beneath the watchful eyes of musicians on a balcony. The scene pulses with the energy of a lavish court festival, likely a specific event in Munich in 1500, given the presence of Albrecht IV of Bavaria and his wife Kunigunde of Austria seated at a table. While the artist’s rendering of three-dimensional space feels a bit unconventional, their meticulous focus on the extravagant costumes successfully captures the pageantry and opulence of the occasion. Every fold of fabric, every feather and jewel, contributes to the sense of a world steeped in courtly splendor, offering a detailed glimpse into the social rituals and fashion of the era.

ART MOVEMENTS
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LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

Spot the musicians on the upper balcony, providing the night's entertainment.

2

Look for Albrecht IV and Kunigunde of Austria, seated at a table.

3

Observe the intricate patterns and textures of the dancers' elaborate costumes.

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Audio Deep Dive

Step into a 16th-century European court ball, bustling with elegantly dressed figures and musicians. This engraving captures the vibrant pageantry and intricat…

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THE ARTIST
Mogens Balle 1921–1988 · Kingdom of Denmark

Mogens Balle, a Danish painter, created vibrant, abstract works, often exploring the spontaneous and experimental.

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