Gaetano Vestris

Gaetano Vestris in a portrait by Thomas Gainsborough

Tomb in the cimetière de Montmartre (Paris)

Gaetano Apolline Baldassarre Vestris (* 1729 in Florence , † 1808 ) was an Italian dancer and choreographer . Gaetano was the son of Tommaso Marino Ippolito Vestris, of whose seven children a total of three have taken up the dance profession: Gaetano, Teresa (1726-1808) and Angiolo (1730-1809).

Live and act

Vestris was a student of Louis Dupré at the Académie Royale in Paris , where he made his debut in 1749. In 1751 he was so successful that the words were put in his mouth: “There are only three great men in Europe: The King of Prussia , Voltaire and me.” He was a member of the Opéra National de Paris , where he was dance master of King Louis XVI was. From 1770 to 1776 he was a dance master and choreographer until he was succeeded by Jean Georges Noverre in 1776 . On the occasion of his grandson's debut, he performed again at the age of 71. Vestris was an excellent mime and dancer. He is one of the first dancers who took off the mask and also emphasized the facial expressions in the dance.

Vestris was married to the successful German dancer Anna Heinel (1753-1808). He had several children who also took up the profession of dancer: his son Auguste Vestris was considered the best dancer of his time. Auguste made his debut at the age of twelve at the Opéra National de Paris and remained there for 36 years as the company's solo dancer.

Gaetano's brother Angiolo Vestris (1730-1809) was married to Marie Rose Gourgaud , a sister of the famous actor Dugazon .

Therese , a sister of Gaetano and Angiolo, was also a dancer. She was best known for her numerous love affairs.

literature

• Gaston Capon: Les Vestris. The "Diou" de la danse et sa famille 1730–1808. D'après des rapports de police et des documents inédits . Société du Mercure de France, Paris 1908.