Artwork
The Dancer of Tanjore (La bayadère de Tanjore)
The Dancer of Tanjore (La bayadère de Tanjore) is an ink print by Albert Besnard. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower right in graphite: Tire a de[ux?] / le tirage definitif; lower right in graphite: (undeciphered) / ABesnard
- Markings
- Marked:None.
About this work
Overview
The Dancer of Tanjore (La bayadère de Tanjore) is a print created by Albert Besnard in 1914, utilizing etching, drypoint, and printed tone techniques on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a solo female dancer in traditional Indian attire, emphasizing intricate clothing and jewelry. The dancer's prominence against a subdued background underscores Besnard's fascination with and appreciation for Indian cultural beauty.
Technique & Style
Besnard employed meticulous detail in rendering the dancer's garments and accessories, highlighting his technical skill in etching and drypoint. The simplicity of the background contrasts with the elaborate foreground, drawing attention to the dancer's ornate dress.
History & Provenance
Created in 1914, specific details regarding the print's provenance and exhibition history are not provided in available sources.
Context
The piece reflects early 20th-century European artistic interest in Orientalist themes, with Besnard's work contributing to this broader cultural phenomenon.
Legacy
While The Dancer of Tanjore's direct legacy is not extensively documented, it remains representative of Besnard's oeuvre and the period's artistic inclinations towards exoticism.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
