Artwork
Print Collection
Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Francois Louis Lanfant. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This mid-19th century print depicts Clara Webster as Agnes in the 1844 Drury Lane revival of the ballet 'The Beauty of Ghent'.
About this work
This print shows Clara Webster performing in the ballet *The Beauty of Ghent*. She took the role of Agnes, sister to the main character Beatrix, during a London revival in 1844.
Webster was the top British dancer of the 1840s. Critics called her style bold and lively. The flowers on the floor hint at cheering fans throwing gifts.
Look up the artist Lanfant, Francois Louis next.
Overview
This mid-19th century print depicts Clara Webster as Agnes in the 1844 Drury Lane revival of the ballet 'The Beauty of Ghent'. Published in London at Edward's Foreign Repository, it captures Webster in a solo pose, conveying a lively and inviting demeanor.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows Clara Webster as Agnes, sister of the heroine Beatrix, possibly during her solo in the second scene. The scattered flowers suggest adoration from her audience, reflecting her popularity as a dancer. Her pose and expression evoke a 'come hither' feel, characteristic of her described 'saucy' stage presence.
Technique & Style
While specific artistic techniques used in the print are not detailed, the overall style aligns with mid-19th century printmaking conventions. The emphasis on capturing Webster's dynamic pose and expressive facial features highlights the artist's focus on conveying the subject's personality and performance essence.
History & Provenance
Published in London during the mid-19th century, this print commemorates Clara Webster's role in the 1844 revival of 'The Beauty of Ghent'. Webster, hailed as the leading British dancer of the 1840s, tragically died in 1844 from burns sustained during a performance due to flammable ballet skirts.
Context
The print exists within the context of 19th-century theatre and the challenges of early stage lighting. Webster's career and the print's creation are also set against the backdrop of British dance striving to compete with foreign ballerinas, with Webster positioned as a potential rival.
Legacy
This print serves as a testament to Clara Webster's brief, promising career and her impact on British dance in the 1840s. It also indirectly highlights the risks faced by performers during the era of gas lighting. The artist behind the print, potentially Francois Louis Lanfant (suggested for further research), may offer additional context to its creation and style.
Artist & collection
Artist
François Lanfant made prints in the mid-1800s. His *Print Collection* from around 1844 shows detailed scenes of everyday life and city views in crisp, black-and-white lines. The prints feel like snapshots from the past,…
