[Dance] Tomlinson, Kellom. (ca. 1690–after 1753)

"The regular Order of the Minuet" - Engraving from "The Art of Dancing"

Engraving of a lady and gentleman dancing a minuet, with dance notation illustrating their steps and eight measures of music at the head, from Kellom Tomlinson's 1735 book The Art of Dancing. At the head: "B. II / The regular Order of the Minuet continued or Presenting of the Right Hand. / F. IX." At the foot: "To my much honoured Scholar the most Noble and Pussant Lord William Stafford Howard Earl Viscount and Baron of Stafford, and to the Right Honourable the Lady Mary Stafford, his Lordship's Sister, this PLATE is most humbly inscribed by their very much obliged Servt. Kellom Tomlinson." Somewhat toned, slight tape remnants to verso; overall fine. 7.5 x 9.5 inches (19.3 x 23.8 cm).

Kellom Tomlinson was one of the most important dancing masters working in England in the 18th century and the author of the treatise The Art of Dancing Explained by Reading and Figures and Six Dances (completed in 1724 and first published in 1735.) The present plate is one of a series in Book II which break down the Minuet into its various stages, each showing the dancing partners with their steps notated on the floor and the relevant music at the head. (17257)

Art Dance