
James Gillray
The German Dancing Master
Maitre de Ballet Allemand
Scarce Hand Coloured etching. Published by Mrs.Hanna Humphries, London, 5 April 1782 [1806]
Plate size: 7 3/8 x 9 5/8" (18.7 x 24.5 cm.)
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A dancing-master, said to be Jansen, the eccentric German 'maƮtre de ballet', in profile to the left, playing a kit or dancing-master's fiddle. He stands on his right toe, his left leg held forwards. His lips protrude and he has a fierce expression. Facing him is his pupil, a boy, holding his hat in his left hand, his right arm raised: he imitates the pose and expression of his master. Behind him (left) stands a younger boy, holding his hat in both hands. The background is a panelled wall, on it is the lower part of an oval mirror in a carved frame, beneath which is a chair on which lies an open book. The letters H.I.H. are faintly etched into the lower left corner of the image. British Museum