Jason and Medea Tragic Ballet, John Boydell, 1781

Design in an oval. Gaetano vestris as jason between two ladies of the ballet. He staggers back, with an expression of horror facing medea (right), who clutches a dagger. Behind him (left) the danseuse, in the role of creusa, appears about to swoon. The dresses are interesting examples of theatrical costume. Jason wears a toupet wig, a tunic with a jewelled star on the breast, a cloak, and elaborately puffed trunk-hose. The ladies wear wide hooped and flounced petticoats, their hair dressed in a high pyramid with feathers. The background is architectural, at the back a high archway leads to a balcony backed by trees. Below the level of the stage and in the foreground are the heads and shoulders of three members of the orchestra, one (centre) plays a flute, the others play oboes. Below the design a line of music is engraved. 3 july 1781 aquatint and etching. Date: 1781. Dimensions: Height: 405 mm; Width: 461 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Gaetano Apollino Baldassare Vestris. Collection: British Museum. Jason et Medée Ballet tragique (BM 1849,1003.100 1)