Artwork
Print Collection
Print Collection is a print by Albert Houthuesen. It dates from 1970 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Later he joined a famous dancer’s company at 15 and formed his own troupe in 1963.
This print shows a lithograph by Albert Houthuesen from 1970. It captures Antonio Gades dancing in the mind of an old man in a chair. Antonio started dancing as a boy after seeing street performers. Later he joined a famous dancer’s company at 15 and formed his own troupe in 1963.
His good looks helped make flamenco popular outside Spain. Tours spread his style worldwide.
Look up flamenco dancer Antonio Gades next.
Overview
This 1970 lithograph by Albert Houthuesen depicts Antonio Gades, a renowned Spanish flamenco dancer, as envisioned by an elderly spectator seated in a chair.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures the dynamic figure of Antonio Gades, born Antonio Esteve Rdenas, whose career was marked by early discovery at 15 by Pilar Lopez, subsequent fame aided by his appearance, and the founding of his own company in 1963, which globalized flamenco.
Technique & Style
Executed as Houthuesen's final lithograph before a debilitating stroke, the work reflects his longstanding fascination with dance, particularly Spanish performers, characterized by expressive lines and a focused composition highlighting Gades in motion.
History & Provenance
Created in 1970, this lithograph was among Houthuesen's last works before a 9-year illness following a stroke. His connection to Spanish dance is also evident in contemporaneous sketches of other notable dancers.
Context
Reflecting Houthuesen's British base and European influences, the piece intersects with the 1970s surge in global interest in traditional Spanish arts, facilitated by dancers like Gades.
Legacy
This lithograph stands as a testament to both Houthuesen's artistic legacy, especially his dance-themed works, and Antonio Gades' enduring impact on popularizing flamenco worldwide.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albertus Antonius Johannes Houthuesen (Dutch: ; 3 October 1903 – 20 October 1979), known as Albert Houthuesen (English: HOW-tew-zən), was a Dutch-born British artist.
