Dancers 1899

Edgar Degas created this pastel drawing entitled ‘Dancers’ during a time of significant social change and artistic exploration. The late 19th century saw the rise of the Impressionists, who sought to capture fleeting moments of modern life. Degas, while associated with the Impressionists, also maintained his own unique style and focus. Here, Degas invites us into the intimate world of ballet, a space where gender, class, and labor intersect. These dancers, often from working-class backgrounds, were subject to rigorous training and discipline. While they embodied grace on stage, their lives were far from glamorous, marked by physical strain and the ever-present gaze of wealthy male patrons. Degas captures a moment of intense, almost frantic, movement. The vibrant red and green hues of the dancer's tutu and the swirling lines evoke the energy and rhythm of the performance. But there's also a sense of vulnerability in the dancer's exposed limbs and averted gaze. 'Dancers' reveals the complex, often contradictory, realities of the ballet world, highlighting both its beauty and its underlying tensions.