212 "AN ELEGANT SOIREE"
by Victor Gabriel Gilbert (1847-1933)

The rather loud and bouncing rythem of perhaps a new polka, is coming from behind while we observe this magnificent scene. The whirling and swishing of such beautiful dresses and petticoats, and the black and flailing tails of the men, all move in time to the latest dance music of a century ago. So this is Paris, and this is the heart-beating excitement of our first soirée together.

The picture of French elegance and society at its best is what makes this moment so special. It is no accident that both "élégante" (meaning refined luxury) and "soirée" (social evening with music and conversation), were chosen for the title.

There was no one better than the French at organising soirées, often intended for advancing one of society's subjects They're a refined and cultured people, who know how to take their pleasure with style. The word 'Courtesy' was linked to Court etiquette.

This magnificent baroque ballroom, where the chatter competes with the music, is decorated with a painted ceiling and gilded panels The whole ballroom is enlarged by the reflection of huge mirrors. It is all brightly illuminated by a row of beautiful wall lights and a large central chandelier. As your eyes wander round the room, palm trees and climbing plants tower above the magnificent displays of flowers .

While the evening is still young, couples continue to arrive. The master of ceremonies on the left is discussing the next events, and a group of gentlemen stand in the doorway eyeing the unaccompanied ladies sitting across the dance floor. Most of the ladies are wearing white or pastel dresses, which they have to lift during this dance.

Their waists are drawn into elegant hour-glass figures by tightly laced corsets; such figures certainly drew mens' glances but were agonising to wear for any length of time. The pleasures of being attractive must have been worth the pain and preparation, but it was nevertheless a relief to get home and take them off , as it was, literally "to let one's hair down".

Women always grew their hair long but wore it high; secured with long hairpins, it would be decorated on such occasions with ornamental combs. Here all show off their long gloves and many carry fans, - not just for cooling flushed cheeks, but now has become the established method of masking whispers to a friend or provocatively casting flirtatious glances. In contrast, all the men wear black evening "tails" and narrowly cut trousers to emphasise their agility - their sleek dark clothes greatly enhancing the airy femininity of the womens' ball gowns.

Born in Paris, Victor Gabriel Gilbert was taught by Adam and Busson. He painted genre scenes and pictures of Parisian life from street markets to such aristocratic gatherings as the painting here; he was made a Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur in 1897.