This cover for the December 12, 1988, issue of The New Yorker is a classic work by the French illustrator Jean-Jacques Sempé. It provides a view from backstage at a ballet, where a small line of young ballerinas in white tutus waits in the wings. They are brightly illuminated by the stage lights, creating a stark contrast with the vast, dark, and industrial nature of the surrounding backstage area with its towering set pieces and ropes.
Artistic Insight
This illustration is a masterful and poignant commentary by Jean-Jacques Sempé on the duality of performance—the contrast between on-stage magic and backstage reality. The artwork's power comes from its dramatic use of scale and light. The tiny, delicate ballerinas, bathed in the ethereal glow of the stage, are dwarfed by the immense, shadowy, and functional machinery that surrounds them. This visual juxtaposition beautifully captures the feeling of nervous anticipation and the immense, professional world these young artists are about to enter. Sempé finds a profound beauty in this unseen moment, celebrating the discipline, hard work, and hidden mechanics that are essential to creating the effortless illusion the audience enjoys.
Our ready-to-hang premium wooden frames, crafted from responsibly sourced oak or ash, feature unique wood grains for added character, making them ideal for those seeking to showcase world-class quality artwork:
Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
Frame Material: Responsibly sourced oak and ash wood.
Frame Color: Natural wood, black, and white, showcasing the distinct wood grain.
Frame Measurements: 20mm (0.79") thick and wide, wider than the classic 14mm (0.55") frame.
Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils), durable and long-lasting.
Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, uncoated finish.
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Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.
