Artwork
Madam Pasta
Madam Pasta is a print by J. Rogers. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This early‑nineteenth‑century print portrays the celebrated Italian soprano Giuditta Pasta in the role of Tanga.
About this work
Overview
This early‑nineteenth‑century print portrays the celebrated Italian soprano Giuditta Pasta in the role of Tanga. Executed by the engraver J. Rogers, the image was issued shortly after its creation and entered the Harry Beard Collection before being acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it resides in the theatre and performance department.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Pasta in costume, emphasizing the dramatic character of Tanga, a role that highlighted her vocal range and stage presence. By presenting the singer in a theatrical guise, the print serves both as a likeness of a famed artist and as a visual record of early 19th‑century operatic staging.
Technique & Style
Rogers employed a fine line engraving technique typical of the period, allowing for detailed rendering of costume fabrics and facial expression. The composition balances clear portraiture with decorative elements, reflecting the print‑making conventions used to disseminate images of popular performers to a broader audience.
History & Provenance
After its initial publication, the print became part of the private Harry Beard Collection, a notable assemblage of theatrical ephemera. The Victoria and Albert Museum later acquired the work, integrating it into its extensive holdings of performance‑related prints, where it remains accessible to researchers and visitors.
Artist & collection
