The Dancer of Tanjore (La bayadère de Tanjore)

1914

Albert Besnard

Associated Names
Albert Besnard

Artist, French, 1849 - 1934

The image shows an etching of two figures: a musician and a dancer. The dancer is depicted from behind, showcasing their entire body as they perform in the center of the image. The dancer's arm is raised while another is bent, embodying movement. The dancer's face cannot be seen, but their hair is styled up. They wear a flowing skirt with a tight-fitting top, giving the illusion of layered fabric. The musician, situated on the left side, is depicted from the waist up, with a visible face and close-cropped hair or head covering. They play a stringed instrument, holding it with one hand and using a bow with the other. The background features intricate, abstract patterns indicating a dark, indoor setting that contrasts with the figures.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bell, Cambridge, MA; gift to NGA, 1990.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1906

  • Delteil, Loys. Le peintre-graveur illustre. 31 vols. Paris: Published by the author, 1906-1926. Reprint. New York: Collectors Editions, Da Capo Press, 1969. Vol. 30 (Albert Besnard) is by Louis Godefroy.

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: Tire a de[ux?] / le tirage definitif; lower right in graphite: (undeciphered) / ABesnard

Markings

None.

Watermarks

None.

Wikidata ID

Q74888072

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