17th Century Engravings of Opera Dancers—Pair
Incredible pair of 17th century engravings of renowned Opera dancers, Mademoiselle des Matins and Mademoiselle de Subligny, by French engraver and print maker Jean Mariette each matted and set in gilded frames. The women are elaborately dressed in late 17th century style stage costumes with sumptuous fabrics and feathered headpieces. Both engravings capture the women in the midst of a dance, their outstretched arms and pointed feet expressing the slow graceful movements in vogue for female opera dancers of the time. The same engravings by Mariette can be found in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Dimensions—
Mademoiselle Subligny: 16 5/8” L x 13” W
Mademoiselle des Matins: 15 3/4” L x 13” W
Condition: Good, wear consistent with age
About Mademoiselle des Matins
Mlle Desmatins started life as a dish-washer in Paris tavern. In 1682, she appeared as a dancer at the Paris Opera before becoming a singer. Her career was cut short when she lost her voice after going on a horrendous diet which combined fasting and drinking vinegar. She died in 1705
About Mademoiselle de Subligny
Marie-Thérèse de Subligny was one of the first professional female dancers at the Paris Opera in the 1680s. In 1700 when she danced in London, she was the first professional dancer to be seen on the English stage.
Incredible pair of 17th century engravings of renowned Opera dancers, Mademoiselle des Matins and Mademoiselle de Subligny, by French engraver and print maker Jean Mariette each matted and set in gilded frames. The women are elaborately dressed in late 17th century style stage costumes with sumptuous fabrics and feathered headpieces. Both engravings capture the women in the midst of a dance, their outstretched arms and pointed feet expressing the slow graceful movements in vogue for female opera dancers of the time. The same engravings by Mariette can be found in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Dimensions—
Mademoiselle Subligny: 16 5/8” L x 13” W
Mademoiselle des Matins: 15 3/4” L x 13” W
Condition: Good, wear consistent with age
About Mademoiselle des Matins
Mlle Desmatins started life as a dish-washer in Paris tavern. In 1682, she appeared as a dancer at the Paris Opera before becoming a singer. Her career was cut short when she lost her voice after going on a horrendous diet which combined fasting and drinking vinegar. She died in 1705
About Mademoiselle de Subligny
Marie-Thérèse de Subligny was one of the first professional female dancers at the Paris Opera in the 1680s. In 1700 when she danced in London, she was the first professional dancer to be seen on the English stage.
Incredible pair of 17th century engravings of renowned Opera dancers, Mademoiselle des Matins and Mademoiselle de Subligny, by French engraver and print maker Jean Mariette each matted and set in gilded frames. The women are elaborately dressed in late 17th century style stage costumes with sumptuous fabrics and feathered headpieces. Both engravings capture the women in the midst of a dance, their outstretched arms and pointed feet expressing the slow graceful movements in vogue for female opera dancers of the time. The same engravings by Mariette can be found in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Dimensions—
Mademoiselle Subligny: 16 5/8” L x 13” W
Mademoiselle des Matins: 15 3/4” L x 13” W
Condition: Good, wear consistent with age
About Mademoiselle des Matins
Mlle Desmatins started life as a dish-washer in Paris tavern. In 1682, she appeared as a dancer at the Paris Opera before becoming a singer. Her career was cut short when she lost her voice after going on a horrendous diet which combined fasting and drinking vinegar. She died in 1705
About Mademoiselle de Subligny
Marie-Thérèse de Subligny was one of the first professional female dancers at the Paris Opera in the 1680s. In 1700 when she danced in London, she was the first professional dancer to be seen on the English stage.
