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Dance

Dance in Europe: From Middle Ages to 18th Century.Created by: NYPL's Public Domain ArchiveDated: 2017
Selected plates from The art of dancing explained by reading and figures
During Middle Ages, Church considered dance as a sin and condemned it. Records of Medieval dance are fragmented and limited, but a noteworthy dance reference from the medieval period is the allegory of the Danse Macabre.
During the Renaissance, dance experienced growing popularity. Country dances, performed for pleasure, became distinct from court dances, which had ceremonial and political functions.
In Germany, originated from a modified ländler, the waltz was introduced in all the European courts.
The 16th century Queen of France Catherine de' Medici promoted and popularized dance in France and helped develop the ballet de cour. The production of the Ballet Comique de la Reine in 1581 is regarded by scholars as the first authentic ballet. In the 17th century, the French minuet, characterized by its bows, courtesies and gallant gestures, permeated the European cultural landscape.
1,734 Media in collectionpage 6 of 18
The prodigal son in misery. - Drawing. Public domain image.

The prodigal son in misery. - Drawing. Public domain image.

Public domain scan - 18th-century landscape print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Mme. Ferraris, dans le ballet des Elfes.

Mme. Ferraris, dans le ballet des Elfes.

Picryl description: Public domain image - 19th-century female portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Théâtre des Folies Dramatiques. Melle Maria rôle de dame de coeur dans Vive la joie et les pommes de terre.

Théâtre des Folies Dramatiques. Melle Maria rôle de dame de coeur dans...

Public domain photograph - dance, dancer, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Dance of nautch girls - Drawing. Public domain image.

Dance of nautch girls - Drawing. Public domain image.

Public domain photograph of music festival, musicians, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Miroir aux allouettes [sic]., Dance

Miroir aux allouettes [sic]., Dance

Public domain photograph of 19th-century actress, burlesque, operetta, theater, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Caricature, Candeur 8, Plate, public domain cartoon image

Caricature, Candeur 8, Plate, public domain cartoon image

Public domain reproduction of political cartoon, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Caricature, Soins maternels 11, Plate, public domain cartoon image

Caricature, Soins maternels 11, Plate, public domain cartoon image

Public domain photograph of French cartoon, caricature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Masque en habit de paysan, Dance

Masque en habit de paysan, Dance

Public domain image of a 17th-18th century fashion, costume design, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Signor Vestris Senr. in the character of the Prince in the grand pantomime [sic] ballet (call'd) Ninette à la cour

Signor Vestris Senr. in the character of the Prince in the grand panto...

Public domain scan of 17th-18th century genre print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Harlem WPA Street Dance - Drawing. Public domain image.

Harlem WPA Street Dance - Drawing. Public domain image.

Picryl description: Public domain image of a great depression era, migrant workers, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Mme. Montessu, lithographée d'après nature par Vigneron

Mme. Montessu, lithographée d'après nature par Vigneron

Public domain image - 18th-19th-century female portrait, aristocracy, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

Ghawazi, or dancing girls. - Egypt

Ghawazi, or dancing girls. - Egypt

Public domain image of Egyptian art, free to use, no copyright restrictions photo - Picryl description

Mlle. Taglioni - Public domain portrait engraving

Mlle. Taglioni - Public domain portrait engraving

Public domain scan of dance performance printed advertisement, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Mr. Vestris, Junr. dans le role de Colas dans le ballet de Ninette a la cour: in the character of Colas, in the ballet of Ninette a la cour

Mr. Vestris, Junr. dans le role de Colas dans le ballet de Ninette a l...

Public domain photo of art print, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Caricature, The village assembly, public domain cartoon image

Caricature, The village assembly, public domain cartoon image

Public domain photograph of music festival, musicians, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Les Noces de Pelée et de Theétis]

[Les Noces de Pelée et de Theétis]

Public domain image of a historic building, 16th-17th century architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Masque en habit de paysan: C. Pr. S. C. Maj. M. Engelbr. sc. et excud. Aug[ustae] Vind[elicorum]

Masque en habit de paysan: C. Pr. S. C. Maj. M. Engelbr. sc. et excud....

Public domain image of a 17th-18th century fashion, costume design, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Le maitre a dancer, Art print depicting dance

Le maitre a dancer, Art print depicting dance

Public domain scan of 17th-18th century genre print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Danseur chinois - Public domain  drawing

Danseur chinois - Public domain drawing

Public domain image of print or drawing, symbolism or allegory, depicting saint, winged creature, Icarus, flying angel, religious figure, flight, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

George White - Mr. Isaac, choreographer

George White - Mr. Isaac, choreographer

Public domain scan of portrait art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Grown gentlemen taught to dance: engraved after an original picture of Mr. John Collett, in the possession of Mr. Bradford

Grown gentlemen taught to dance: engraved after an original picture of...

Public domain reproduction of art print, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Auguste Vestris - Monsr. Vestris, Junr

Auguste Vestris - Monsr. Vestris, Junr

Public domain reproduction of art print, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Gillray James - The German dancing master

Gillray James - The German dancing master

Public domain scan - 18th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A long minuet as [danced at Bath], Longa Tysonum Minuit

A long minuet as [danced at Bath], Longa Tysonum Minuit

Public domain image of an engraving, male portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Jeune dame répétant une danse, Dance

Jeune dame répétant une danse, Dance

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Angiolina Rainoldi, Erste charakter Tänzerinn des k. k. priv: Theaters in der Leopoldstadt

Angiolina Rainoldi, Erste charakter Tänzerinn des k. k. priv: Theaters...

Public domain photograph of portrait art print, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Taglioni - Public domain portrait engraving

Taglioni - Public domain portrait engraving

Public domain reproduction of art print, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Costume de bal - Drawing. Public domain image.

Costume de bal - Drawing. Public domain image.

Public domain image of a 19th century fashion, costume design, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

Mlle. Taglioni, artiste de l'Académie nationale de musique

Mlle. Taglioni, artiste de l'Académie nationale de musique

Public domain reproduction of art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Three Graces; or The three Bums of the Op!ra

Three Graces; or The three Bums of the Op!ra

Public domain scan - 18th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Le 1er danseur Mr. Paul dans Clary, ballet, Adad'e R'le de musique

Le 1er danseur Mr. Paul dans Clary, ballet, Adad'e R'le de musique

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Masquerade. Tom and Bob, keeping it up in real character

Masquerade. Tom and Bob, keeping it up in real character

Public domain photograph - performance, burlesque, dance, cabaret, operetta, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Pas noble du 1er ballet (Mr. Montjoie) dans La lampe merveilleuse, opéra. Lith. de G. Engelmann

Pas noble du 1er ballet (Mr. Montjoie) dans La lampe merveilleuse, opé...

Public domain scan of 18th-century genre print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Mlle. Noblet, in the ballet of La paysanne supposée

Mlle. Noblet, in the ballet of La paysanne supposée

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Monsr. Albert of the King's Theatre.

Monsr. Albert of the King's Theatre.

Public domain image of portrait print, Royalty, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Paul, tu di Tersicore sei figlio, sì; tu sei lo Zeffiro de' nostri dì

Paul, tu di Tersicore sei figlio, sì; tu sei lo Zeffiro de' nostri dì

Public domain image, 18th-century female portrait, aristocracy, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

cachucha dance. Arranged for the piano forte by I. B. Arnold. Drawn & lithographed by G. E. Madeley.

cachucha dance. Arranged for the piano forte by I. B. Arnold. Drawn & ...

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Spanische Tänze für's Pianoforte. El jaleo de Xerexs. Getanzt v. Sign. Pepita de Oliva

Spanische Tänze für's Pianoforte. El jaleo de Xerexs. Getanzt v. Sign....

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

La Sennora Pepita De Oliva - Public domain portrait engraving

La Sennora Pepita De Oliva - Public domain portrait engraving

Public domain photo of portrait art print, 19th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Costume de Melle. Noblet, rôle de Fatmé, dans Le dieu et la bayadère: Opéra. Académie Royale de Musique

Costume de Melle. Noblet, rôle de Fatmé, dans Le dieu et la bayadère: ...

Public domain image of a 18th-century fashion, costume design, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

M'elle Julia, de l'Académie Royale de Musique.

M'elle Julia, de l'Académie Royale de Musique.

Public domain photo of portrait art print, 19th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Interior of the new dancing room called the Riet Dyck at Antwerp

Interior of the new dancing room called the Riet Dyck at Antwerp

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Fanny Elssler]. C[arl] Agricola pinx. Eybl lith.

[Fanny Elssler]. C[arl] Agricola pinx. Eybl lith.

Public domain image - 18th-19th-century female portrait, aristocracy, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

Mrs. Honey (as Psyche): Drawn from life by Edward Novello & on stone by R. J. Lane

Mrs. Honey (as Psyche): Drawn from life by Edward Novello & on stone b...

Public domain scan of 19th-19th century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Mrs. Honey, (as Psyche). - Public domain portrait engraving

Mrs. Honey, (as Psyche). - Public domain portrait engraving

Public domain photograph - dance, dancer, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Herr Klischnig in seinem sämtlichen Darstellungen im Theater an der Wien als Affe und Frosch.

Herr Klischnig in seinem sämtlichen Darstellungen im Theater an der Wi...

Public domain scan of 17th-18th century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

M. Venafra, as Nadir (minister to the rajah) in Zulema

M. Venafra, as Nadir (minister to the rajah) in Zulema

Public domain scan of 17th-18th century genre print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Amalia Brugnoli Samengo. Eug'o Nap'e Pianta dis., Venezia I. R. pr. Lit. Barozzi.

Amalia Brugnoli Samengo. Eug'o Nap'e Pianta dis., Venezia I. R. pr. Li...

Public domain reproduction of art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Alfred Edward Chalon - Pauline Duvernay., Dance

Alfred Edward Chalon - Pauline Duvernay., Dance

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[La cachucha]., Art print depicting dance

[La cachucha]., Art print depicting dance

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Ballet: Fanny Esler [sic]., Dance

Ballet: Fanny Esler [sic]., Dance

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Melle. Noblet: [Lithograph] Louis Lassalle

Melle. Noblet: [Lithograph] Louis Lassalle

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Fanny Cerrito. - Public domain portrait engraving

Fanny Cerrito. - Public domain portrait engraving

Public domain reproduction of art print, 19th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Melle Fanny Elssler's quadrilles. arranged for the piano forte by Ch. Jarvis. E. J. P. [artist]. P. S. Duval Lith.
August Bournonville. - Public domain portrait engraving

August Bournonville. - Public domain portrait engraving

Public domain photo of portrait art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Fanny Cerrito [facsimile signature].

Fanny Cerrito [facsimile signature].

Public domain photograph of portrait art print, 19th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Fanny Elssler. [Lithograph] R. Cooke [sic] del.

Fanny Elssler. [Lithograph] R. Cooke [sic] del.

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Costume de Melle. Nathalie Fitzjames, dans La jolie fille de Gand (Ballet), la Cracovienne.

Costume de Melle. Nathalie Fitzjames, dans La jolie fille de Gand (Bal...

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[Le dieu et la bayadère]. - Drawing. Public domain image.

[Le dieu et la bayadère]. - Drawing. Public domain image.

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Madame Augusta in the "Cachucha.".

Madame Augusta in the "Cachucha.".

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Fanny Ellsler [sic] in The shadow dance.

Fanny Ellsler [sic] in The shadow dance.

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Melle. Camille, rôle de Jenny, dans Trilby. Theatre de la Porte St. Martin. [Lithograph by Alexandre Lacauchie] Imp. J. Rigo et Cie.

Melle. Camille, rôle de Jenny, dans Trilby. Theatre de la Porte St. Ma...

Public domain scan of 18th-century genre print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Académie royale de musique, Ozaï, ballet, 1er acte, 2e tableau

Académie royale de musique, Ozaï, ballet, 1er acte, 2e tableau

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Mlle. S. Fuoco dans le pas de La favorite, Théâtre de la Nation Opéra.

Mlle. S. Fuoco dans le pas de La favorite, Théâtre de la Nation Opéra.

Picryl description: Public domain image of a woman, female portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

andaluza. A Spanish pas de deux composed by Ch. Hilariot. As danced by Melle. A. Hilariot, and Sr. de Vegas at Placide's Varietès, arranged for the piano forte by L. Gabici.

andaluza. A Spanish pas de deux composed by Ch. Hilariot. As danced by...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of a 19th-century costume, fashion, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Caroline Rousset [in pencil], Dance

Caroline Rousset [in pencil], Dance

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Melle. Plumkett [sic], rôle de Lia, dans L'enfant prodigue, Théâtre de l'Opéra

Melle. Plumkett [sic], rôle de Lia, dans L'enfant prodigue, Théâtre de...

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Le cancan, Dance, France, 19th century

Le cancan, Dance, France, 19th century

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Pepita de Oliva [facsimile signature]

Pepita de Oliva [facsimile signature]

Public domain reproduction of art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Adeline Plunkett] - Public domain portrait engraving

[Adeline Plunkett] - Public domain portrait engraving

Picryl description: Public domain image of portrait, 19th century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions

Melle. Marquet, dans Les elfes, Théâtre de l'Opéra.

Melle. Marquet, dans Les elfes, Théâtre de l'Opéra.

Public domain image - 18th-19th-century female portrait, aristocracy, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

Catharina Frideberg als Catharina in Drei Tochter des Banditen.

Catharina Frideberg als Catharina in Drei Tochter des Banditen.

Public domain photograph - dance, dancer, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Opera ball, Dance, France, 19th century

Opera ball, Dance, France, 19th century

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Melle Emarot dans Guillaume Tell. [Lithograph by Marie-Alexandre Alophe].

Melle Emarot dans Guillaume Tell. [Lithograph by Marie-Alexandre Aloph...

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Marie Taglioni: Stahlstich v. A. Weger, Leipzig

Marie Taglioni: Stahlstich v. A. Weger, Leipzig

Picryl description: Public domain photo of German art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

Marie Alexandre Alophe - Melle Lefèvre, dans Orfa: [Lithograph by Marie-Alexandre Alophe]

Marie Alexandre Alophe - Melle Lefèvre, dans Orfa: [Lithograph by Mari...

Picryl description: Public domain image related to dance, musical, theater, performance, performing arts, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

La celebre ballerina Sig'a Caterina Beretta.

La celebre ballerina Sig'a Caterina Beretta.

Public domain scan of newspaper clippings, periodicals, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

Neapolitan girl (Cerito as Fenella).

Neapolitan girl (Cerito as Fenella).

Public domain scan of 19th-19th century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

De Pol's Grand Ballet Troupe at the Theatre Comique, Mlles. Morlacchi and Baretta.

De Pol's Grand Ballet Troupe at the Theatre Comique, Mlles. Morlacchi ...

Public domain scan of printed performance advertisement, dance, musical, opera, operetta, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

M. Paul de l'Académie royale de musique

M. Paul de l'Académie royale de musique

Public domain scan of portrait print, engraving, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Ruth St. Denis with Ted Shawn, Dance

Ruth St. Denis with Ted Shawn, Dance

Public domain scan of dance performance printed advertisement, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Peasant dance], Dance, German renaissance, Albrecht Dürer

[Peasant dance], Dance, German renaissance, Albrecht Dürer

Public domain scan of 16th-17th century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Académie et salle de danse: les grâces parisiennes

Académie et salle de danse: les grâces parisiennes

Public domain scan - 18th-century french print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Pierre Paul Rubens - La kermesse flamande, Flanders

Pierre Paul Rubens - La kermesse flamande, Flanders

Public domain scan - 18th-century landscape print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Hurdigurdiano joining in the wedding dance of Signora Fisketti

Hurdigurdiano joining in the wedding dance of Signora Fisketti

Public domain reproduction of art print, 16th-17th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

The Scotch musician - Engraving, Public domain image

The Scotch musician - Engraving, Public domain image

Public domain reproduction of art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Le fandango - Drawing. Public domain image.

Le fandango - Drawing. Public domain image.

Picryl description: Public domain image of a 19th century fashion, costume design, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Commedia dell'arte - [Footlight]

Commedia dell'arte - [Footlight]

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Of an Ægyptian king and his apes]

[Of an Ægyptian king and his apes]

Public domain scan of 17th-18th century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Teatro della Scala - Engraving, Public domain image

Teatro della Scala - Engraving, Public domain image

Public domain image of a historic building, 16th, 17th, 18th century architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

Das Theater an der Wien - Engraving, Public domain image

Das Theater an der Wien - Engraving, Public domain image

Public domain image of a historic building, 16th, 17th, 18th century architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

Tanzmeister Pauxel, oder Faschingsstreiche

Tanzmeister Pauxel, oder Faschingsstreiche

Public domain image of a military forces, uniform, officer, military commander, European armies, free to use, no copyright restrictions -Picryl description

Vue de la nouvelle salle de l'Opéra prise de la rue de Provence

Vue de la nouvelle salle de l'Opéra prise de la rue de Provence

Public domain image of a historic building, 16th, 17th, 18th century architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

J'ne fille du canton de Soleure, Suisse

J'ne fille du canton de Soleure, Suisse

Public domain photograph of costume design, costume accessory, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Danse des cafres - A drawing of a group of people in a forest

Danse des cafres - A drawing of a group of people in a forest

Public domain photo of art print, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Shakers, Art print depicting dance

Shakers, Art print depicting dance

Public domain scan - 17th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Theophile Alexandre Steinlen - Dancers, Dance

Theophile Alexandre Steinlen - Dancers, Dance

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Antonio Canova [Ancient dancing]

Antonio Canova [Ancient dancing]

Public domain photograph of portrait art print, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The dancing lesson, pt. 1, the 1st position

The dancing lesson, pt. 1, the 1st position

Public domain scan of artwork depicting dance, music, performing art productions, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Polnischer Tanz, Art print depicting dance

Polnischer Tanz, Art print depicting dance

Public domain image of a military forces, uniform, officer, military commander, European armies, free to use, no copyright restrictions -Picryl description

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