The Stage Can Give Off An Illusion.

 

Photo Credit: Anna Pavlova in costume from La Fille Mal Gardee. c. 1912 from Anna Pavlova Her Life And Her Art By Keith Money

Anna Pavlova on stage gave the appearance she was taller than she actually was when in reality she was 5 ft 3. She was thought to be tall because of her slight build and wearing pointe shoes on stage added to her height which probably gave the illusion she was tall to the audience.


In 1910 she posed as her role the Dying Swan for a photo shoot in New York. Photography during  this time still required photographs to have a long exposure time. Pavlova was required  to be supported by a clothesline that was strung across the studio  giving the illusion she was floating or flying.   During the retouching phase of Pavlova's Dying Swan portraits the clothesline was removed, however you can still see movement with some of these portraits which make them all the more ethereal. 


Photo Credit: Anna Pavlova in her role of Dying Swan Portraits, c. 1910 From Anna Pavlova Her Life And Art By Keith Money


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