Artwork

Marie Taglioni in L'Ombre

Marie Taglioni in L'Ombre, by Unknown, 1840
Marie Taglioni in L'Ombre, by Unknown, 1840

Marie Taglioni in L'Ombre is a print by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This print depicts Marie Taglioni in L'Ombre, a ballet choreographed by her father Filippo Taglioni. The image captures the ballerina on stage, showcasing her signature ethereal quality.

Subject & Meaning

The ballet's narrative follows a murdered heroine who haunts her former lover, preventing him from marrying another. The story served as a framework for Taglioni to demonstrate her technical prowess and elusive stage presence.

Technique & Style

The print employs chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. This style was often used in Romantic ballet prints to convey an otherworldly or ethereal quality.

History & Provenance

L'Ombre was first performed at the Bolshoi in St Petersburg in 1839 and later revived in London in 1840. The ballet featured a notable sequence where Taglioni jumped between rose bushes, using hidden metal plates to aid her landings and takeoffs.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known