Degas' The Dance Class
Edgar Degas, The Dance Class, oil on canvas, 1874 (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Speakers: Dr. Steven Zucker, Dr. Beth Harris
Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas—who will later contract his name to Degas—is one of the most beloved artists of all time. When there is a Degas exhibition, it becomes a major event. Visitors crowd the galleries and the gift shops do a brisk business selling scarves, umbrellas, and notebooks printed with details from the artist's paintings and drawings of ballerinas. And that's the subject that people want. Yes, of course his bathers and race horses are popular, still it is his dancers that have captured the public's imagination. By the way, Degas hated the fact that he was known as the "painter of dancers" Still, he did return to this theme throughout his career. I find it remarkable that while people see his extraordinary use of line, light, and composition they so often miss the less savory aspects of these images.
Where and When
1874
Your Comments (2)
Previous Comments
Kelsie wrote on Thursday, March 10, 2011
I am not usually such a fan of the work of the Impressionists, but there is something about Degas' dancers that I find so compelling. They are depicted so honestly, as if we just peeked into their dressing room unexpectedly. I enjoy the fact that although there is no precise narrative to The Dance Class (as there might have been in the works displayed in the salons) there are still clear details which speak to the goings-on of this period. For example, the cityscape reflected in the mirror, the notion of performance as leisure, the snapshot quality of the composition. These are all elements that help the viewer put the work into context.
Ktae wrote on Monday, March 21, 2011
Degas is a great artist and this picture is outstanding!!! You really hepled with my art project!! :D
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