Before the Ballet 1890 - 1892

Edgar Degas created ‘Before the Ballet’ using oil on canvas. At first glance, you’re met with a study in contrasts. The muted browns and grays of the backdrop set against the brilliant whites and blues of the dancers’ tutus. Degas plays with perspective, drawing our eye from the distant, regimented figures to the more intimate, asymmetrical grouping in the foreground. The dancers’ poses, some in active stretch, others in repose, suggest the rigorous discipline required for their art. The use of line and form destabilizes traditional notions of beauty, highlighting the labor and physical strain behind the spectacle of ballet. The composition's fragmented nature and asymmetrical arrangement mirrors broader artistic and philosophical concerns of the late 19th century. Degas’s work reflects a shift towards capturing the fleeting, unposed moments of modern life, challenging fixed meanings of classical art. Instead, he embraces new ways of seeing and representing the world. This shift is not merely aesthetic but signifies a profound cultural re-evaluation of artistic values.