La Barbarina, the great dancer who sparked a diplomatic row around Europe

Barbara Campanini, known as "La Barbarina" is one of the greatest dancers of all time (1719-1799). She often performed before the most powerful monarchs of the time, such as Louis XV of France and Frederick II of Prussia.

Portrait by Rosalba Carriera, c. 1739 (Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden) Source: WikiCommons

Italian- Australian journalist and writer Andrea Perego has recently published  "Barbara - A state affair" an intriguing story about the romantic and adventurous prima ballerina Barbara Campanini who, after signing a contract with King Fredrick II to dance in Berlin, changed her mind causing the obsessed king to have her kidnapped in Venice by the local authorities and then escorted to Berlin. The diplomatic row that ensued involved the Kingdom of Prussia, the Queen of Austria and Hungary, France, Great Britain, Spain, Venice and the Duchy of Parma.

Source: Courtesy of Andrea Perego

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