I am currently teaching a series of classes on the blockbuster exhibition Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment at the National Gallery of Art for the next few weeks. In the meantime, I am presenting some of my blogs on several Impressionist masters, including Degas (1834-1917) and asking the question:
Why Do We Love Degas?
Degas is truly the artist of dance, embarking in the early days of his career on a long quest to recreate the spirit of the ballet. His models, the young ballerinas, whose movements he studied for decades. Whether depicting their arduous sessions in the studio, straining and stretching at the barre for hours in preparation for an upcoming performance.
Edgar Degas, Dancers Practicing at the Barre, 1877, Mixed media on canvas, H. O. Havemeyer Collection Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Or focusing our attention on The Star, who stands center stage, in acknowledgment of the audience’s enthusiastic praise. Attired in a striking peach-colored costume with matching flowers, reflecting the importance of her role.
Edgar Degas, The Star, 1879/81, Pastel on cream wove paper, edge mounted on board, Bequest of Mrs. Diego Suarez, Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois
While The Four Dancers wait backstage, in a work done late in Degas’s career, three of them carefully arranging their straps, while a fourth figure seems to lean on what might be a piece of scenery. All of them illuminated by what is probably electrical light, already being used in Paris Opera productions. Can you almost hear the introductory music? That will transport them soon into the ethereal realm of live theater.
Edgar Degas, Four Dancers, c. 1899, oil on canvas, Chester Dale Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Dancers Practicing at the Barre
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art does not endorse or approve use of the above image or any of the material on this website. Nor has the Metropolitan Museum of Art participated in any projects utilizing the said image.
The Star
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The Art Institute of Chicago does not endorse or approve use of the above image or any of the material on this website. Nor has the Art Institute of Chicago participated in any projects utilizing the said image.
Four Dancers
In the public domain, courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
The National Gallery of Art does not endorse or approve use of the above image or any of the material on this website. Nor has the National Gallery of Art participated in any projects utilizing the said image.
