Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by the Romanticist artist John Deffett Francis. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
You see a dancer in mid-jump, her dress and necklace flying up around her.
This print is interesting because it shows the dancer's energy and speed. Most 19th century dance prints show movement stilled, but this one gives a sense of action. The dancer, Fanny Elssler, was known for her passionate performances.
This print can be compared to works using the technique of chiaroscuro.
Overview
This untitled lithograph captures a dynamic moment of Fanny Elssler in mid-jump, conveying her energetic performance style through the movement of her dress and necklace.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Fanny Elssler, a 19th-century dancer renowned for her passionate and fiery stage presence, contrasting with the serene image of her rival, Marie Taglioni. Elssler's appeal, as noted by critic Gautier, was particularly strong among male audiences.
Technique & Style
The lithograph employs a spirited, impressionistic approach to suggest movement, differing from the static portrayal common in 19th-century dance prints. The work's use of chiaroscuro-like techniques enhances the sense of dynamism and energy.
History & Provenance
Created in the context of Elssler's popularity during the 1830s and 1840s, the print reflects her impact on the dance world of that era. Notably, Elssler wears early ballet shoes, a precursor to the modern pointe shoe, which evolved from heelless satin slippers through modifications for support and stability.
Context
The lithograph is set against the backdrop of 19th-century ballet's evolving techniques and audience preferences, highlighting Elssler's role in this period. Her performances and the print itself reflect the broader cultural appreciation for dynamic female performers.
Legacy
This lithograph remains significant not only for its depiction of Elssler's performance style but also for its contribution to the visual documentation of ballet's transition towards more expressive and dynamic representations.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Deffett Francis (2 June 1815 – 21 February 1901) was a Welsh portrait painter and art collector.
