Dancer on Stage 1880

Edgar Degas created this pastel drawing of dancers, probably in France, sometime in the late 19th century. The setting is a stage, but Degas often challenged the conventions of academic art by looking at the backstage areas as well. Ballet in Paris wasn't just entertainment; it was a complex social world connected to wealth and power. The opera house itself was a grand symbol of the French state, and the dancers, often from working-class backgrounds, were vulnerable to exploitation. Degas's images of dancers have been interpreted as a social commentary, subtly revealing the power dynamics at play. To fully understand Degas, it's important to look at the cultural context of 19th-century Paris – the rise of consumer culture, the strict social hierarchy, and the changing roles of women. Art historians often consult archival materials, such as letters, reviews, and social histories, to shed light on the meanings of artworks.