Maria Bonfanti (1845-1921) 1858 - 1869

Jeremiah Gurney took this photograph of Maria Bonfanti, a celebrated ballerina, in the late 19th century. This was a time when ballet was gaining popularity, but also facing scrutiny for its perceived morality. Bonfanti stands in a delicate pose, both powerful and vulnerable, which encapsulates the complex position of female performers in that era. She is adorned in a floral costume. The gaze exudes a quiet confidence that hints at the rigorous training and artistry required to achieve such poise. Note the statuette behind Bonfanti. It’s presence speaks volumes about the cultural context in which Bonfanti operated, and perhaps hints at the exoticism projected onto the performance. The use of photography as a medium also speaks to the democratization of art, making images of celebrated performers available to a wider audience. This photograph invites us to consider the gaze, performance, and the complex interplay of identity and representation in the 19th century. It asks: How did individuals negotiate their identities within the confines and possibilities of their time?