Gaetano Appolino Balthasar Vestris (Gaëtan Vestris)
- Artist: Thomas Gainsborough
- Date: circa 1780-1781
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 29 1/8 in. x 25 1/4 in. (741 mm x 640 mm) overall
- Portrays: Gaetano Appolino Balthasar Vestris (Gaëtan Vestris)
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is an oil portrait on canvas by Thomas Gainsborough, completed around 1780‑81. The oval frame brings a warm focus to the figure of Gaetano Appolino Balthasar Vestris—known as Gaëtan Vestris—a French ballet master who had just arrived in Britain. You can see him dressed in his dance attire, with a relaxed pose that hints at the elegance and expression he brought to London stages. Gainsborough likely met him through theatre friends during Vestris’ first stay in England, capturing both artist and dancer’s character. The work sits in the Primary Collection of the National Portrait Gallery.
See it in person
Gaetano Appolino Balthasar Vestris (Gaëtan Vestris) is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
