François-Garnier Berthier
in Le papillon

The dancer Berthier is seen here dressed as 'Patimate' in the ballet Le papillon [The Butterfly].

A 'ballet fantastique' in two acts (four scenes), Le papillon was choreographed by Marie Taglioni to music by Jacques Offenbach. It was first presented by the Paris Opera Ballet at the Salle Le Peletier on 26 November 1860 after a performance of Lucia di Lammermoor. The principal dancers were Emma Livry (Farfalla/the Butterfly), Louis Mérante (Prince Djalma), Louise Marquet (the Fairy Hamza), and Alexandrine Simon (the Diamond Fairy).

The sitter has inscribed the reverese of the mount: 'A Ma Bonne Catherine / Guiot, souvenir de Bonne / Amitié / F.G. Berthier.'