Artwork
The Dance
The Dance is a photographic photography by Lellio Gelli. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A black-and-white photograph, mounted on green card, depicting a stone statue of a woman in a serene outdoor setting with a small dog, preserved as part of the Archive of Art and Design.
Subject & Meaning
The statue portrays a barefoot woman with a short skirt, one arm raised to hold back her hair, and the other resting on a dog at her feet, capturing a tranquil moment. The sculpture’s smooth curves and calm pose evoke a sense of quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
The photograph features a grainy texture, indicative of its age. The statue itself exhibits a style characterized by flowing lines and naturalistic rendering, suggesting a focus on capturing everyday elegance.
History & Provenance
Acquired as part of a collection bequeathed by William Kineton Parkes in 1938, the photograph was originally submitted to Parkes in response to his questionnaires to sculptors in the 1920s.
Context
Part of a broader collection solicited by Parkes, a scholar of sculpture, this photograph reflects the artistic interactions and documentation efforts of the early 20th century, particularly among sculptors responding to Parkes’ inquiries.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lellio Gelli made a single photograph called The Dance that freezes a blurred crowd in motion.
