Dancer Putting on Her Stocking Possibly 1890 - 1911

Edgar Degas sculpted "Dancer Putting on Her Stocking" in bronze, capturing a private, almost voyeuristic moment. The act of dressing, particularly putting on stockings, has a long history in art as a symbol of intimacy. It evokes images of Venus preparing for her bath, a common motif in Renaissance painting. Degas strips away the mythological context, revealing the dancer in her raw, human form. Consider the subtle eroticism here. This intimate gesture— pulling on a stocking— carries echoes of countless depictions of female beauty and preparation throughout art history, yet it’s presented without idealization. It speaks to a collective memory of observing and desiring, engaging us on a subconscious level. The motif persists, evolving through time, reminding us that even the most mundane acts are laden with history and cultural significance. The dancer's pose, frozen in bronze, invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of these resurfacing symbols.