Where can I see Dancer with a Sword?

Dancer with a Sword is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Dancer with a Sword?

Dancer with a Sword is associated with French Classical Baroque.

Artwork

Dancer with a Sword

Dancer with a Sword is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1670 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work depicts a solitary figure in vivid, patterned attire, positioned in a three‑quarter profile with one knee bent.

About this work

Overview

The composition emphasizes the contrast between the richly decorated costume and the plain background, drawing attention to the pose and accessories.

The work depicts a solitary figure in vivid, patterned attire, positioned in a three‑quarter profile with one knee bent. The subject holds a sword in the right hand and a fan in the left, set against an unadorned brown backdrop that isolates the figure. The composition emphasizes the contrast between the richly decorated costume and the plain background, drawing attention to the pose and accessories.

Subject & Meaning

The individual is dressed in bright robes featuring white, blue and red fields interlaced with swirling gold and floral motifs, and wears a tall black hat. The sword, sheathed at the waist, and the fan, rendered in red and white, suggest a blend of martial and courtly symbolism, hinting at a performer or ceremonial dancer rather than a combatant.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a flat, muted ground that allows the saturated colors of the costume to dominate. The brushwork delineates the intricate patterns of the fabric and the delicate texture of the fan, while the sword is rendered with crisp, linear precision. The overall style balances decorative detail with a restrained spatial setting.

History & Provenance

The piece is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is displayed for public viewing. Its acquisition details and earlier ownership are not specified in the available information, limiting knowledge of its provenance beyond its current institutional setting.

Artist & collection

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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