Study for 'La La at the Cirque Fernando' 1879

Edgar Degas rendered this study of 'La La at the Cirque Fernando' with pastel. suspended high, held by a rope, Mademoiselle La La embodies an iconography reminiscent of ancient mythology. This image echoes the figure of Icarus, defying gravity but also tempting fate. Consider how the raised arm, a gesture of daring and ambition, is mirrored across cultures, from classical depictions of Nike, the goddess of victory, to modern-day expressions of triumph. There's a primal, almost subconscious draw to this daring feat. It speaks to our collective fascination with risk and our deep-seated longing to transcend our earthly bounds. The image doesn't just depict a circus performer; it captures a potent, emotional moment of human aspiration. This daring figure, suspended in air, reminds us that such imagery is not linear but cyclical, resurfacing through history, continuously evolving, and adopting new significances.