Perhaps sparked by the opening of the Paris opera in 1864, Louis Legrand, like his contemporary Edgar Degas (French, 1834–1917), repeatedly explored the ballet world in paintings and prints, often offering behind-the-scenes views. In this close-up of two dancers and their music master, the drama of the stage continues even in a moment of pause. Legrand employs aquatint tone to create rich darks from which bright highlights in the musician’s face and hands stand out. The dancers’ white dresses similarly contrast with their dark hair, which frames their faces, and a dark background. The two dancers lean forward, capturing the feelings of anticipation that prevails in the moments before a performance.