Dancers in Ukrainian Dress
This large pastel on tracing paper is one in a series of studies of dancers in traditional Ukrainian folk dress undertaken by Degas in 1899. The costumes, drawn in multiple touches of high-keyed color, are reminiscent of those worn by performers at Ukrainian weddings at the turn of the twentieth century. Like a master choreographer, Degas deftly orchestrates the rhythms and movements of these spirited dancers, testing their imagery in pastel, charcoal or a combination of both throughout the series. This sheet was likely sketched in light charcoal, after which the thin, faint lines were reinforced with a thicker, darker charcoal, and then pastel was applied to the underdrawing.
Julie Manet, Edouard Manet’s niece, visited Degas’s studio in July 1899, a rare invitation to see his work in progress. She notes her delight upon seeing his pastels of folk dancers, a project Degas described as his "orgies of color." Her costume notations in the diary align with those in the present pastel.
Julie Manet, Edouard Manet’s niece, visited Degas’s studio in July 1899, a rare invitation to see his work in progress. She notes her delight upon seeing his pastels of folk dancers, a project Degas described as his "orgies of color." Her costume notations in the diary align with those in the present pastel.
Artwork Details
- Title: Dancers in Ukrainian Dress
- Artist: Edgar Degas (French, Paris 1834–1917 Paris)
- Date: 1899
- Medium: Charcoal and pastel, on tracing paper, mounted on cardboard
- Dimensions: 24 3/4 x 25 1/2 in. (62.9 x 64.8 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
- Object Number: 1975.1.166
- Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Edgar Degas
Wittenborn and Co., La Jeune Parque
1946
Edgar Degas
ca. 1879
Edgar Degas
1879–80
Edgar Degas
1856
Edgar Degas
1876–77
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.