Portrait of the dancer Barbara Campanini aka La Barbarina 1745

Antoine Pesne's 1745 "Portrait of the Dancer Barbara Campanini aka La Barbarina" captures the renowned dancer in a theatrical pose. She stands gracefully, holding a tambourine, showcasing the elaborate embellishments of her costume, including a leopard-print skirt and floral decorations. Pesne's masterful use of light and shadow brings out the texture of the fabric and the detail of the background, which features an idealized garden setting. This portrait is a prime example of rococo portraiture, highlighting the elegance and artistry of 18th-century performance.