A Visit to the Dance, 1892

Likely inspired by Edgar Degas’ work recording the Paris Opéra Ballet, Charles began a new fascination with male dancers starting in the 1890s and continuing onto his death. The paintings from this series often depict scenes in bright, colorful tones. A Visit to the Dance also introduces Charles’ use of pink, which he would revisit throughout the remainder of his life. The viewer also learns of Charles’ love of a man, Thomas, described in the inscription. Inscription (from reverse): Visiting Thomas. What grace. Those long legs perfectly fitted. A glance lingered back at me.