Marie Sanlaville
(1847-1930)

A leading dancer with the Paris Opéra, Marie Sanlaville is particularly remembered for her association with the artist Edgar Degas, who painted her often and dedicated a rare sonnet to her. She specialised in dancing male roles en travesti. 

In a career lasting from 1864 until 1889, he principal roles included the goblin Zail in Delibes’ La source (1866); Eros in Delibes' Sylvia (1876); and Pepio in Messager's Les deux pigeons (1886).