Sonnerat, Dance of the Bayadères, Indian Temple Dancers, 1806, Engraving

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Dance of the Bayadères – Sonnerat Engraving Depicting Indian Temple Dancers, 1806 This lively engraving titled *Danse des Bayadères* (Dance … Read more Dance of the Bayadères – Sonnerat Engraving Depicting Indian Temple Dancers, 1806 This lively engraving titled *Danse des Bayadères* (Dance of the Bayadères) is plate number 9 from Pierre Sonnerat’s *Collection de Planches pour servir au Voyage aux Indes Orientales et à la Chine*, published in its second edition in Paris by Dentu in 1806. Bayadères—derived from the Portuguese *bailadeira*, meaning dancer—was the French term for *devadasis*, the traditional female temple dancers of India. The image captures a scene of dance and music within a lush, enclosed garden or palace courtyard. At the center, two bayadères perform an expressive ritual dance, characterized by graceful hand gestures, rhythmic movement, and dramatic facial expressions. Their bodies are adorned with jewelry and flowers, and they wear traditional striped garments that emphasize motion. A third woman, perhaps a singer or musician, stands calmly to the left, while three male figures provide accompaniment or act as attendants—one carrying a tray of instruments or offerings, another possibly playing a percussive rhythm on a drum. In the background, tall palm trees and a low enclosure wall establish a serene, tropical ambiance typical of southern India. The architecture is subdued, allowing the dynamic motion of the dancers to take visual precedence. The composition balances theatricality with cultural observation, making this one of the most animated and engaging plates in the series. This engraving reflects the Enlightenment-era European fascination with Indian temple traditions, particularly those involving ritual music and dance. Sonnerat, though a naturalist and explorer, paid careful attention to sociocultural rituals, and his artists and engravers conveyed these with theatrical flair. Though the Western understanding of devadasis was often filtered through exoticism and misunderstanding, this plate remains a significant historical document. Condition: Good condition. Clear impression on laid paper with the original centerfold as issued. Some light foxing near the upper and side margins. Blank verso. Minor toning consistent with age. Framing suggestion: A horizontal mat opening with extra width on the top and bottom will best present this animated scene. Use a dark wood or simple gold frame to highlight the fine linework and retain the neoclassical tone of the engraving. Ideal for display in dance studios, cultural institutions, or historical collections. See less