Loie Fuller
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; Paul M. and Christine G. Wick Fund
Accession Number
NPG.2012.97
Tags
Art Historical Context
In 1897, French lithographer Jules Chéret immortalized the iconic American dancer and choreographer Loïe in this vibrant print, a staple of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection., a pioneering performer known for her innovative "Serpentine Dance," captivated Paris audiences during the Belle Époque with silk costumes illuminated by colorful lights, creating mesmerizing effects that blurred the line between dance and visual spectacle. Chéret's poster likely promoted one of her theatrical spectacles, showcasing her as a multifaceted innovator—dancer, designer, and inventor—who influenc...