Dancer Seen from Behind and Three Studies of Feet c. 1878

Edgar Degas made this drawing of a dancer and studies of feet using pastel on paper. The ballet was a popular subject in late 19th-century France. But Degas’ images of dancers weren't simply about capturing beauty, they offered a glimpse into the rigorous training and labor behind the performance. Think of the Paris Opera Ballet, an institution with deep roots in French culture and society. Degas shows us not just the polished final product but the behind-the-scenes reality. This drawing, with its focus on the dancer's posture and the studies of feet, highlights the physical demands placed on these performers. Degas seems to ask us to consider the social structures that shaped the lives of these dancers, often young women from working-class backgrounds. To truly understand Degas' work, we can consult archival materials from the Paris Opera or delve into the social history of ballet in France, connecting the art to its broader cultural and institutional context.