BALLET DANCER IN SHORT COSTUME & PLUMED HAT: NAPOLEON SARONY : RISQUE : RARE CDV For Sale

This rare and striking 19th-century risque carte de visite (CDV) photograph was taken by the famedSarony & Co.of New York, located at 680 Broadway. The image, likely dating from the late 1860s to early 1870s, features a young female performer—possibly a ballet dancer or variety theatre actress—posed in a playful, flirtatious manner. She rests on a studio prop rock and gazes off-camera with a composed and slightly impish expression. Her outfit is notably theatrical: ashort, decorative costume with a layered skirt, tights, andballet-style slippers, all hinting at a stage career. She wears an elaborateplumed headpiecewith flowers and feathers that accentuate her styled hair, which falls in a long braid over her shoulder. She also wearsdangling earrings, and there\'s a touch of sparkle around the shoulders, suggesting embellishments in the garment. Her arms are crossed at her chest in a relaxed yet confident pose. The reverse of the CDV is printed in elegant red ink and creditsSarony & Co.as the photographers, withNapoleon SaronyandAlfred S. Campbelllisted by name. Campbell worked closely with Sarony during this period and was eventually a notable photographer and photographic entrepreneur in his own right, known later for his work with stereoviews and photogravures. His inclusion here reflects his collaborative role within Sarony’s prestigious studio. Both photographers are esteemed by collectors, especially Sarony.Napoleon Sarony (1821–1896) was thepremier theatrical photographer of the 19th century, especially known for portraits of stage actors and actresses.Alfred S. Campbell (1840–1912) originally worked with Sarony, He later founded his own successful photographic business. He was instrumental in advancing photogravure printing in the U.S. There is handwritten pencil script on the reverse that appears to read“Harries”as the surname—possibly identifying the subject. The cdv measures about4 1/8 x 2 3/8 inches. This carte de visite is in very good condition (see scans).