Portrait of a Ballet Dancer c. 1860

This carte de visite, a popular photographic format of the 19th century, is titled "Portrait of a Ballet Dancer" and was created by American photographer Thomas Rice Burnham circa 1860. The photograph captures a young woman, likely a professional ballerina, in a theatrical pose, emphasizing her graceful posture and elegant attire. The simple background allows the viewer to focus on the dancer's delicate features, her elaborate costume, and her poised stance, highlighting the beauty and artistry of ballet during this era.