Danseuses Russes 1899

Edgar Degas made this work, Danseuses Russes, using pastel, a medium that’s all about immediacy. Look closely and you'll notice how the velvety texture of the pastels creates a soft, almost dreamlike quality. Pastels allowed Degas to build up layers of color quickly, capturing the fleeting movements of the dancers. There is an intimacy, a feeling of being right there with the dancers, sharing the same space. It’s a world away from the highly finished surfaces we often see in painting. Pastels were easily portable, and were often associated with sketches and preparatory drawings. Degas elevated the medium to create finished artworks, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Russian dance, challenging conventional hierarchies within the art world. He encourages us to value the artist's touch and the beauty of the here-and-now.