The Life and Work of Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas, a renowned French artist, left an indelible mark on the world with his depictions of Parisian life and ballet dancers.
His works, which often featured dancers in various stages of practice or performance, are celebrated for their dynamic composition and expressive use of color.
Origins in Paris
Edgar Degas was born on July 19, 1834, in Paris, France.
From a young age, he showed an affinity for the arts, and after completing his baccalaureate in literature in 1853, he turned his full attention to painting.
Initially, he registered as a copyist at the Louvre, which was a common practice among emerging artists seeking to learn from the masters.
Ballerinas as a Central Theme
The world of ballet became a central theme for Degas, who frequented the Paris Opéra and was enchanted by the movements and grace of the dancers.
His fascination gave rise to paintings like “The Dance Class” and sculptures such as “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen,” showcasing the beauty and poise of ballerinas both on stage and behind the scenes.
These works offer a glimpse into the rigorous training and lives of young dancers during the late 19th century.
Degas’ Impact on Impressionism
Although associated with the Impressionists, Degas’ unique approach often set him apart.
He participated in six of the eight Impressionist Exhibitions, bringing his realist influence and complex compositional strategies to the fore.
His work transcends simple classification; he utilized a range of materials, including pastels, oils, and bronzes, to create enduring works that continue to captivate audiences.
With peers such as Mary Cassatt, Degas helped to define and advance French Impressionism, leaving a legacy that influences painters even today.
Artistic Details and Legacy
Edgar Degas’ depictions of ballerinas have left an indelible mark on the art world, showcasing a unique blend of technique and materiality while reflecting significant cultural and historical contexts.
His artwork continues to be preserved and exhibited globally, attesting to his enduring legacy.
Technique and Materiality
Degas employed diverse materials such as oil paints, bronze, and wax to bring his ballerinas to life.
His bronze sculptures, notably the famous Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer, a piece initially sculpted in wax before being cast in bronze after Degas’ death, demonstrate a fascination with capturing the form and texture of fabric like tutus, satin, and ribbons.
For this sculpture, Degas used real materials like a cotton bodice, a tutu, and a hair ribbon, along with a wig made of real hair, placed on the wax figure, blurring the lines between art and reality.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The ballerinas in Degas’ works often represented performers from the Paris Opéra Ballet, giving an intimate view into the lives of these women and the Parisian society of the late nineteenth century.
The depiction of movement, from the posture of a dancer captured in an attitude to the detailed choreography practice scenes, reflects the Realist and Impressionist styles that were groundbreaking at the time.
Degas’ The Dance Class from 1874 captures a bustling studio directed by ballet master Jules Perrot, providing an invaluable glimpse into the era and the rigorous world of ballet.
Preservation and Exhibitions
Conservation efforts are key to preserving the delicate materials Degas used, such as beeswax and pigmented beeswax in his sculptures.
Research into preserving the vibrancy of his paintings and the integrity of his wax models continues today.
Degas’ works are prominently displayed in major institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Musée d’Orsay, inviting viewers to step back in time to the artist’s Parisian world.
The fact that these pieces can be viewed in such revered galleries attests to the significant legacy Degas has in art history and the story of ballet.
