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)
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