Evocative large format original hand-colored gravure with ink highlighting depicting the American choreographer and early pioneer of the modern dance movement in America, founder with Ted Shawn of the Denishawn dance company. She is shown in her celebrated snake dance, The Cobras, in full length profile wearing a long sleeved top which reaches below her hips, with loose 'harem' style trousers, and a round turban from which wisps of hair escape. Her gaze is downcast and she is leaning slightly backwards with her arms folded tightly to her chest, large emerald rings visible on her hands.  

Signed and titled in the plate, lower left and right. 15 x 15 inches; 38 x 38 cm. Overall toning to the full sheet, with a lighter central block around the image from prior framing; small stains or bends to corners and a few short tears to edges, else fine. 

"The Cobras was set in an Indian street. St. Denis found inspiration for her dance from The Streets of Delhi at Coney Island where she saw a snake charmer. Her father made her original snake-eyes from four hat pins with green stones and St Denis mimed the coiling and coiling of snakes with her arms. On stage a woman in a 'rusty' costume and turban enters with her hands over her shoulders. 'Now her sleeved arms disentwine themselves from her neck, and the hands come into view. On the index and little fingers of each hand, she is wearing huge emerald rings. They glare as if they were eyes, and indeed they are, the eyes of a pair of cobras.' Film exists of Ruth St Denis performing this dance which was copied by many imitators." (Victoria & Albert Museum)

The German painter and graphic artist Rauth (Leipzig 1884 - 1913 Tirol) became famous for his Art Deco-styled portraits, nudes and carnival scenes. The present work was executed just before the early death of the artist at the age of 29.