A companion print to bmsat 5905. Vestris fils, as in bmsat 5905, on the same stage, is dancing in a similar pose, poised on his right toe, his back to the audience, looking over his left shoulder smiling. In his right hand is his hat, held out as before but full of notes or bills, inconspicuously inscribed "gui, £1100", and "£20,000". In his left hand he holds out a netted purse to which is attached a label inscribed "english guineas". In place of the goose of bmsat 5897 in each lower angle of the square is an ape dressed as a dancer and with his hat held out, cf. Bmsat 5903; one (left) matches the pose of vestris in bmsat 5905, the other (right) his pose in this design. Beneath the design is engraved:
"he danc'd like a monkey, his pockets well cram'd;
caper'd off with a grin, 'kiss my a*** & be d------d'. " 16 may 1781
etching and aquatint. Date: 1781. Dimensions: Height: 384 mm; Width: 316 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Auguste Vestris. Collection: British Museum. Oh qui goose-toe! (O che gusto) (BM 1849,1003.97 1)
Loading...
