Division and Revision

The painting captures a vibrant 1870s Parisian caf-concert scene, reflecting the era's cultural trends. Initially conceived as a grand composition, the artist became dissatisfied and divided the canvas, creating two distinct pieces. Recent technological advancements have reconstructed the original artwork, revealing its broader context. New research has pinpointed the specific caf, the Reichshoffen, and identified the Folies-Bergère performance featured in the accompanying poster, enriching the understanding of this iconic work.