Dimensions: overall without base: 53.1 x 14.5 x 38.5 cm (20 7/8 x 5 11/16 x 15 3/16 in.) height (of figure): 45.1 cm (17 3/4 in.)
Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0
This is 'Dancer Holding Her Right Foot in Her Right Hand' by Edgar Degas, likely made with bronze. The surface of this figure is fascinating; see how the light catches on those rough, almost haphazard marks? Degas is so attentive to the body’s nuances, the way the muscles stretch and pull. It's like he’s trying to capture not just a pose, but the feeling of movement itself. Look at the way one leg is grounded, a solid support, while the other is suspended in this incredible act of balance. The whole thing feels alive, caught in a fleeting moment. You can almost feel the strain, the effort in her posture, and the artist's hand is evident everywhere. It reminds me a little of Rodin, but with a distinctly Degas twist. It’s a beautiful dance between form and feeling, and I love how it leaves room for your own interpretation.
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