Uncommon signed engraving of the famous Italian ballerina of the Romantic ballet era, a central figure in the history of European dance, depicted during a performance in her father's ballet, La Gitana. Taglioni has signed in ink to the lower right. Published by Bettini Lithography of Bologna, ca. 1842. Heavy fold creasing and foxing throughout, cropping at the lower margin, two hole punches to the upper margin; overall in very good condition. 12 x 19 inches (30.5 x 48.3 cm.). Read More...
Souvenir program for the 1969 film adaptation of Hello, Dolly!, directed by Gene Kelly and starring Barbra Streisand alongside Walter Matthau, with a memorable cameo from Louis Armstrong. The program includes numerous stills from the film alongside behind-the-scenes photographs and essays. 48 pp. In fine condition. 8.5 x 11.25 inches (21.6 x 28.6 cm.). Read More...
Unusual broadside program from a performance by the influential modern dance pioneers and their "Denishshawn Dancers." The music for this remarkable event was performed by the NY Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra and took place at the Lewisohn Stadium. Horizontal fold, some toning, otherwise fine. 6.25 x 14.25 inches (15.8 x 36.2 cm).
Interesting and unusual original photograph, possibly of the Duncan dancers, shown in front of imposing large columns and performing in a group pose reminiscent of the sort of Greek vase illustrations which inspired Duncan's revolutionary choreography. Dated 1923 on the verso. Light creases, corners nicked, paper reinforcements and labels to verso, else fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.). Read More...
Striking original 19th century albumen photograph of the Turkish Mevlevi Order of Sufi dervishes, known for their extreme poverty and austerity and for the whirling dance that is proverbially associated with Dervishes. Part of a formal ceremony known as the Sema, it is only one of the many Sufi ceremonies performed to try to reach religious ecstasy. A compelling composition of seven whirling dervishes, most likely from Turkey or Iran, wearing white outfits and with their arms raised, surrounded by black-robed figures standing and seated on decorative rugs, while an ensembple of musicians accompanies. A few minor stains and edge wear, glue-stained mounting strips on verso, else fine. 10.5 x 7.5 inches (26.7 x 19 cm).
An extraordinary document listing the extravagant sums paid out in the year 1773 for carriage and other related transport expenses by the famous last mistress of Louis XV of France. 22 pp. Tall Folio, on laid paper bound with blue silk tie. Titled to head of recto of sheet one "Memoire Pour Madame La Comtesse De Dubaris D'Ouvrages faites par quenel charron du Roy Scavoir," following with expenses from January and concluding on the final sheet of ledger entries, ending 22 December at Versailles, signed "M thomas De quenel." Detailed descriptions of purchases or services, often with specific providers or locations are recorded with dates and amounts paid. First and final leaves separated, scattered foxing and general toning but very good condition throughout. Read More...
Gelatin silver print, [November 20, 1944] depicting the dancers Francisco Moncion, Viola Essen and Kari Karnakoski in the ballet Sebastian with music by Gian Carlo Menotti and choreography by Edward Caton. 7.8 x 9.8 inches (20 x 25 cm). Photographer's notation in green ink "XIV.aa.1" beneath his credit wet stamp on verso ("Photograph by Carl Van Vechten / 101 Central Park West/ Cannot be Reproduced without Permission") and his raised blindstamp ("Photograph by Carl Van Vechten") lower right. Small pinholes and scratches along upper edge, else fine. Read More...
Evocative and unusual doubleweight sepia photograph of the two great dancers standing together, ca. 1931. Diagonal crease to upper right, a few small creases, else fine. 7.75 x 9.75 inches (19.6 x 24.7 cm.) Read More...
Original photograph of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo's ballet master, shown assisting Ruthana Boris as she is lifted by Leon Daniellian. Some surface damage and creasing, otherwise good condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.).
Rare original rehearsal photograph of the important choreographer, shown with her leg raised high while in discussion with an Elia Kazan. They worked together on Weill's One Touch of Venus in 1943 and the newspapers displayed in the photo refer to wartime, so it's likely it was taken around this time. Heavy creasing to corners and along upper edge, else fine condition. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm.).
Signed pages cut from books (title page if not stated otherwise), inscribed to Paul McMahon if not noted otherwise. In excellent condition if not noted otherwise. As follows (in alphabetical order): Read More...
New York: Knopf. 1966. First edition. 4to. (179), (1) pp. Text by LeRoy Leatherman and illustrated with photographs by Martha Swope. Inscribed by Martha Graham to her biographer and fellow dancer, Agnes de Mille, on title-page. Additionally inscribed by Lee and Swope on Dedication page. Publisher's brown cloth, stamped in gilt; in publisher's worn dust-jacket. An extraordinary association copy from the library of Graham's longtime friend, contemporary, and biographer, Agnes de Mille (1905-1993). Read More...
Signed title pages and other leaves cut from books on dance, inscribed to Paul McMahon unless noted otherwise. In excellent condition unless noted otherwise. As follows: Read More...
Signed title pages cut from books on dance, inscribed to Paul McMahon unless noted otherwise. In excellent condition unless noted otherwise. As follows: Read More...
Signed title of Balanchine's Complete Stories of the Great Ballets (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1956). Cut from the book. 8.25 x 5.25 inches (20.8 x 13.3 cm). In fine condition. Read More...
Signed halftone photograph of the great dancer and choreographer practicing in a ballet studio, apparently in character. Cut from an unidentified book. Signed in Latin script. 10.75 x 8 inches (27.2 x 20.2 cm). Read More...