Violinist, Study for "The Dance Lesson"
Degas sensitively conveyed the union of a musician with his instrument in this work. It represents an intermediary stage in the development of the violinist featured in "The Dance Lesson" (1971.185). Based on a more preliminary sketch, Degas worked up the composition in pastel and squared it for transfer. Curiously, he executed it on the back of a bookseller's advertisement; however, the green tone of the paper perfectly suited the use of pastel.
Artwork Details
- Title: Violinist, Study for "The Dance Lesson"
- Artist: Edgar Degas (French, Paris 1834–1917 Paris)
- Date: ca. 1878–79
- Medium: Pastel and charcoal on green wove paper; squared for transfer in charcoal; letterpress printing on verso
- Dimensions: 15 3/8 x 11 3/4 in. (39.1 x 29.8 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1918
- Object Number: 19.51.1
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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