Artwork
Dans un pas-seul il exprime son extrême desespoir
Dans un pas-seul il exprime son extrême desespoir is a print by the Romanticist artist Edward Morton. It dates from 2 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print carries a long French title that translates to “In a single step he expresses his extreme despair.
This print carries a long French title that translates to “In a single step he expresses his extreme despair.” It shows a dancer in a dramatic pose, meant to mock a popular ballet. Edward Morton made it in London in 1836.
The sketch was drawn by William Makepeare Thackeray under the name Théophile Wagstaff. It was part of a set of eight caricatures poking fun at the show.
Check out more works at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This hand-colored print, 'Dans un pas-seul il exprime son extrême desespoir', was created in London in 1836. It is one of a series of eight caricatures ridiculing a popular ballet.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a dancer in a dramatic pose, satirizing the ballet 'Flore et Zéphire' by Charles-Louis Didelot. The title translates to 'In a single step he expresses his extreme despair', highlighting the absurdity of the performance.
Technique & Style
The print was engraved by Edward Morton from an original sketch signed 'T.W.' (Théophile Wagstaff), a pseudonym used by William Makepeace Thackeray, the work's creator. The caricature's style reflects Thackeray's humorous critique of the ballet.
History & Provenance
The print was published on March 1, 1836, in London. It is part of a collection held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edward Morton kept a tiny printing press under his bed in Paris and ran off hand-colored lithographs at 2 a.m.
