Dancer

Dancer, created by Edgar Degas between 1880 and 1885, is a masterful example of the artist’s commitment to capturing the modern woman in fleeting moments of movement and rest. Classified as a drawing, this work utilizes pastel on paper, a medium Degas heavily favored for its unique ability to combine the expressive immediacy of drawing with the rich, chromatic depth of painting. The surface is complex, as the paper was laid down on a board support, providing stability for the heavily worked pastel layers.

Degas's oeuvre is defined by his intense scrutiny of the ballet, moving beyond the glamorous performance to focus on the arduous preparation and backstage life of the professional dancers. During the late nineteenth century, the subject of the working woman was a persistent theme for the artist. This piece captures a specific, unposed intimacy, likely depicting a rehearsal or a brief rest period, emphasizing the labor involved rather than purely the aesthetic spectacle.

The handling of light and texture showcases Degas’s technical brilliance, especially in rendering the diaphanous quality of the dancer’s costume against the more solid musculature of the body. This highly finished composition resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a key representation of the artist's fascination with theatrical subjects. Due to the historical significance of Dancer, high-resolution images of the artwork are often made available through the public domain, allowing enthusiasts and students access to study the work and acquire fine art prints.