Genty; Ghibert 1861

Curator: Oh, this is charming. The multiple exposures create a captivating narrative flow. Editor: It does have a certain wistful, almost melancholy quality despite the ballerina's apparent grace. Is it the sepia tones lending that feeling, or something more? Curator: It’s titled "Genty; Ghibert", and was taken by André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri in 1861. As you can see, it presents several studies of a ballerina, most likely within a single performance, all captured through the emerging technique of photography. It’s held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Editor: Look how these separate images form one single artwork. They are more than individual snapshots. The varying poses speak to something deeper; not just of technical skill, but cultural obsession too. The mid-19th century really solidified ballet's position within the bourgeois imagination. We see the stage-setting framing in some of the frames, emphasizing the ballerina's performative self. Curator: Precisely. Disdéri was quite innovative in using photography not just to capture likeness, but to distill gesture into symbol. He presents a very potent idealized vision of femininity, simultaneously highlighting both strength and a particular sense of vulnerability that the romantic ballet imposed on the prima ballerina. Editor: There’s also something to be said about accessibility and art culture here. Photography was still developing and through Disderi, this performance captured on camera meant circulation outside of theatre, to people that never went to an actual opera. In what ways was this new culture disseminated, who were the viewers, and what was their expectation and knowledge about the stage and the art? It must have been more than capturing an aesthetic—the artwork provided access. Curator: Absolutely. This image provides a really wonderful window into not only the individual performer’s movement and poise but also the collective fascination surrounding ballet at this time, and its place within wider society. Editor: So much can be read from this image; the cultural impact of the performing arts is definitely one point to consider further. Thanks for highlighting that!