Not currently on display at the V&A

H Beard Print Collection

Print
early 19th century (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A coloured lithograph entitled 'Costume de Chasseur dans Le Diable Boiteux'.

The text at the top of the print indicates that it is No.221 of a series.

Le Diable boîteux (English title The Devil on Two Sticks) is a ballet in three acts, premiered on 1st June 1836 at the Paris Opera, with Elssler and Mazilier.

The plot is based on Le Sage's novel of the same title and tells the story of a Spanish student, Cléophas, who helps a demon to escape from a bottle and is rewarded by an introduction to three beautiful women, the dancer Florinda, the rich woman Dorotea, and the penniless Paquita.

The ballet became famous for the cachucha which Elssler danced as Florinda. Based on a traditional Spanish rhythm, this dance is characterized by intricate stamping and tapping footwork, coquettish glances, and a supple, swaying torso. It became the most talked-about ballet in Paris.

The print is part of the Harry Beard Collection.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleH Beard Print Collection (named collection)
Materials and techniques
Lithography
Brief description
A coloured lithograph entitled 'Costume de Chasseur dans Le Diable Boiteux'.It is not dated but was printed by Aubert et Cie. Harry Beard Collection.
Physical description
A full length colour lithograph of an actor in parti-coloured tights of red and yellow. He wears a short jacket with false oversleeves trimmed in fur and ornate tight undersleeves in white and dark blue. He wears a blue cap, trimmed with long feathers and secured under his chin with a thin strap. He holds a horn to his lips with his left hand.
Dimensions
  • Height: 26.7cm
  • Width: 16.7cm
Credit line
Harry R. Beard Collection, given by Isobel Beard
Literary referenceLe Diable Boiteux
Summary
A coloured lithograph entitled 'Costume de Chasseur dans Le Diable Boiteux'.

The text at the top of the print indicates that it is No.221 of a series.

Le Diable boîteux (English title The Devil on Two Sticks) is a ballet in three acts, premiered on 1st June 1836 at the Paris Opera, with Elssler and Mazilier.

The plot is based on Le Sage's novel of the same title and tells the story of a Spanish student, Cléophas, who helps a demon to escape from a bottle and is rewarded by an introduction to three beautiful women, the dancer Florinda, the rich woman Dorotea, and the penniless Paquita.

The ballet became famous for the cachucha which Elssler danced as Florinda. Based on a traditional Spanish rhythm, this dance is characterized by intricate stamping and tapping footwork, coquettish glances, and a supple, swaying torso. It became the most talked-about ballet in Paris.

The print is part of the Harry Beard Collection.
Collection
Accession number
S.562-2010

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Record createdMay 26, 2010
Record URL
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