Before the Ball
1735
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Dimensions
- 83 × 65.4 cm
- Status
- In Museum Collection
- Collect24 Art ID
- C24-137789
A woman getting ready for the ball is caught mid-sentence as the two women lean in to listen to her and the maid puts the finishing touches on her mistress’s hair. Partially disguised and holding masks, the ladies wear lavish cloaks in anticipation of the evening festivities ahead. Candles flicker, illuminating the eager faces of the group and contributing to the mood of hushed expectancy. Jean-François de Troy developed the *tableaux de mode*— depictions of scenes from upper-class life with an emphasis on sumptuous costumes, opulent interiors, and hints of amorous intrigue. At the time, some critics disapproved of the aristocratic life of leisure celebrated by paintings like this one. *Before the Ball* was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1737 with its companion piece, *After the Ball*. When exhibited, the pair was declared de Troy's finest work.
Provenance
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Registry history
- 1735 — Recorded in the collection of J. Paul Getty Museum
Registered on Collect24
The identity of the collector is never published. Purchase information, documents and the exact location of the artwork remain private.
Ownership not yet verified on Collect24
This artwork is documented in the Global Art Registry, but no Collect24 account is linked to it as the owner. Claiming keeps this record and its Collect24 Art ID — nothing is created a second time.
Do you own or represent this artwork? Claim this artwork →Auction history
Public sale records matched to this work. Ownership is never disclosed.
Loading sale records…