Artwork
Ruth St Denis
Ruth St Denis is a photographic photography by Rotary Photographic Co.. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This photo shows dancer Ruth St Denis in a studio shot around 1906. It’s a postcard-style image from a series where threads were used to make her skirt swirl in the picture.
Her pose comes from “Dance of Taste,” part of a longer work called Radha. She’s holding a clay bowl, moving as if drinking from it.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more.
Overview
This photograph captures Ruth St Denis in a studio setting around 1906. It is a postcard-style image from a series showcasing her dance.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts St Denis performing the 'Dance of Taste' from her 1905 work Radha, a mystic dance of the five senses. She is shown holding a clay bowl, swaying and moving as if intoxicated, culminating in a deep back bend.
Technique & Style
The photograph was achieved using invisible threads held by the photographer's assistant to simulate the swirl of St Denis's skirt. This technique allowed for a dynamic representation of her dance.
History & Provenance
Radha was first performed publicly on January 28, 1906, in New York, and later toured Europe from 1906 to 1909. The dance was set to music from Leo Delibes' Lakme.
Context
St Denis was influenced by various cultures, including Egyptian, Indian, and Greek, which is reflected in her work. Radha is an example of her fascination with Eastern cultures and mythology.
Artist & collection
Artist
This 1900s London studio cranked out stiff-backed portraits with the efficiency of a factory line, dressing actors and dancers in their Sunday best before the camera.
