Study of a Ballet Dancer (recto); Two Studies of Dancers (verso)

ca. 1873

Not on view

This drawing is associated with a larger group of studies, dated about 1873, made for Degas’s famous paintings of ballet dancers. The confident free brushstrokes, virtuoso depiction of a shadow in front of the dancer’s left foot, and beautiful bluish green highlights on her right side showcase the artist’s skill as a draftsman. Degas’s use of color adds luminosity to the rich pink support, one of many bright-hued prepared papers with which the artist experimented during this period.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Study of a Ballet Dancer (recto); Two Studies of Dancers (verso)
Artist: Edgar Degas (French, Paris 1834–1917 Paris)
Date: ca. 1873
Medium: Oil with opaque watercolor on prepared pink paper (recto); oil on prepared pink paper (verso)
Dimensions: 17 1/2 x 12 3/8 in. (44.5 x 31.4 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Object Number: 1975.1.611
Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

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Seated Woman in Bonnet and Shawl, Edgar Degas French, Aquatint, drypoint, and etching; printed from canceled plate — Seated Woman in Bonnet and Shawl
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At the Café des Ambassadeurs, Edgar Degas French, Etching, softground, drypoint, and aquatint; fifth (final) state; canceled plate — At the Café des Ambassadeurs
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Greek Landscape, Edgar Degas French, Etching (only state; impression from cancelled plate) — Greek Landscape
Edgar Degas
1856

On Stage III, Edgar Degas French, Softground etching,drypoint, and roulette on wove paper; fourth state of five — On Stage III
Edgar Degas
1876–77

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