Dancer Resting with a Fan 1890 - 1895

"Dancer Resting with a Fan" (1890-1895), a charcoal drawing by Edgar Degas, is a compelling depiction of a dancer in repose. This work, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies Degas's fascination with the world of ballet. The sketch captures a fleeting moment, a dancer's exhaustion after a performance, as she rests with a fan in hand. Degas's use of loose, expressive lines captures the dancer's graceful form and the subtle nuances of her pose. The drawing's dynamic composition and intimate perspective invite the viewer to share in the dancer's momentary respite. Degas's signature in the lower left corner adds a touch of authenticity.