Artwork

Monsr Gilles Platfues, maître de danse à l'Academie des Lourdeaux.

Monsr Gilles Platfues, maître de danse à l'Academie des Lourdeaux. is a print by Henry Gissey. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 18th-century print depicts Monsr Gilles Platfues, a dancing master at the Academie des Lourdeaux, highlighting the itinerant nature of dance instructors during that era.

Subject & Meaning

The print satirically portrays Platfues as a well-traveled dancing master, poking fun at his linguistically mixed background, evident in his use of French and German phrases.

Technique & Style

While the print's technical aspects are not detailed here, its satirical content suggests an illustrative style common in 18th-century social commentary prints.

History & Provenance

Originally part of a broader 18th-century European cultural landscape, this print is now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it is accessible for viewing.

Context

Reflecting the era's social norms, where dancing was a crucial social skill, the print underscores the ubiquitous presence of traveling dancing masters across European cities.

Legacy

The tradition of multilingual ballet masters, as satirically depicted here, has endured in both historical fact and popular culture, appearing in films and literature.