On the Stage

On the Stage by Edgar Degas (French, 1834-1917), executed between 1876 and 1877, is a technically sophisticated example of the artist's profound experimentation with mixed media. Classified as a drawing, the work utilizes pastel and essence applied over a monotype base on cream laid paper, which was subsequently laid down on board. This complex layering approach allowed Degas to combine the immediacy of printmaking with the vibrant color and dense, textured surface afforded by pastel, resulting in a unique visual effect that defied traditional classifications of the time.

Degas, a central figure among the Impressionists, was captivated by the modern urban experience and devoted much of his career to depicting the world of the Paris Opéra. Although the title, On the Stage, suggests a performance, the piece, characteristic of the artist’s oeuvre, captures dancers in an unguarded or preparatory moment, perhaps awaiting their cue in the wings. Degas frequently employed sharp, dynamic cropping and high contrast lighting, reflecting both the influence of contemporary photography and Japanese ukiyo-e prints. This allowed him to render the intense, artificial glow of the stage lighting and the resulting deep shadows cast upon the figures and backdrop with exceptional accuracy.

This particular study of motion and light exemplifies Degas’s dedication to recording candid reality through innovative techniques. His prolific body of work focusing on ballet dancers ensures that detailed observations of theatrical life in 19th-century France remain accessible. The work is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it remains a crucial example of the technical ingenuity pursued by masters of the period.