Gaby Deslys as The Charm of Paris in 'New Aladdin'

Sitterback to top

• Gaby Deslys (Marie-Elise Gabrielle Caire) (1881-1920), Actress and dancer. Sitter in 56 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Cecil Beaton (1904-1980), Photographer, designer and writer. Artist associated with 1052 portraits, Sitter associated with 314 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This drawing depicts her in her role as the Charm of Paris in The New Aladdin (1906), showing "how the fair Parisienne walks, sings and dances". A line-drawing of it was reproduced in The Book of Beauty (1930) where Beaton sang her praises: "a marvellous creature, of brilliantine and brilliance, and Christmas-tree tinsel...it was impossible to look at anyone else when she was on the stage".

Portrait setback to top

• Cecil Beaton sketchbooks and drawings, circa 1910-80

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• In Character