The Cracovienne, Danced by Fanny Elssler, In the Grand Ballet of The Gypsey

Nathaniel T. Currier, printer

1813–1888

The Cracovienne, Danced by Fanny Elssler, In the Grand Ballet of The Gypsey, 1840–1842

Where object was made: United States

Material/technique: lithograph

Dimensions:
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 336.55 x 254 mm
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 13 1/4 x 10 in
Mat Dimensions (Height x Width): 19 x 14 in

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.1065

Not on display

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This sheet music cover depicts the 19th-century Austrian dancer Fanny Elssler (1810—1884). In this image, she is wearing a military-inspired costume with a plumed hat and ankle boots for her performance of a Polish folk dance called the Krakowiak, or cracovienne in French. The choreographer, Joseph Mazilier, created a solo version of the cracovienne for Elssler to dance in his 1839 ballet The Gypsey. Elssler became famous for her spirited rendition of the cracovienne, as well as for her performance of Spanish folk dance. She performed these character roles for audiences in Europe, North America, Cuba, and Russia, making her one of the first ballerinas to become an international star. Printmakers such as Nathaniel T. Currier capitalized on this celebrity by selling images with her likeness.

While Elssler was known for her fiery character on stage, artists tended to represent her standing in shy or modest poses. Why do you think artists depicted her this way?

Many people collect images of celebrities, including athletes, musicians, and movie stars. Who is your favorite celebrity? What qualities make this person special or unique?

Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU

This sheet music cover shows the 19th-century Austrian dancer Fanny Elssler. She wears a military-inspired costume with a plumed hat and ankle boots for her performance of a Polish folk dance called the Krakowiak, or Cracovienne in French. The choreographer Joseph Mazilier created a solo version of the Cracovienne for Elssler to dance in his 1839 ballet “The Gypsey.” She became famous for her spirited rendition of the Cracovienne performing this role for audiences in Europe, North America, Cuba, and Russia. Printmakers such as Nathaniel T. Currier capitalized on her international fame by selling images with her likeness.
Tap the Web icon above and click on the link to view an image of Elssler performing a Spanish folk dance in a black lace costume and holding castanets.