A Parisian Ball – Dancing at the Mabille, Paris (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. XI)

A Parisian Ball – Dancing at the Mabille, Paris (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. XI) by Winslow Homer is a compelling wood engraving created in 1867. This piece originated as a journalistic illustration for the prominent American periodical, Harper’s Weekly, offering U.S. readers a visual record of cosmopolitan life abroad. The work was produced following Homer's trip to Paris during the period of the 1867 Exposition Universelle.

The image vividly captures the energetic atmosphere of the Mabille bal, one of the most celebrated and often scandalous outdoor dance venues in Paris during the Second Empire. Homer depicts a crowded evening scene where men and women are seen actively engaged in dancing, their forms defined by the strong contrasts inherent in the wood engraving technique. The artist focuses on the kinetic energy of the crowd and the social dynamic of the Parisian revelers, presenting an American view of European social freedom and modernity.

As a significant historical print, this work demonstrates Homer's early mastery of graphic arts, a skill that enabled him to disseminate complex visual narratives widely before focusing primarily on painting. The technique required meticulous carving on the block to achieve the necessary detail for mass reproduction in the publication. Today, this important print provides insight into the cultural connections between Europe and America in the post-Civil War era. It is maintained in the distinguished collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.