The Ballet Master

The influential print, The Ballet Master, was created between 1871 and 1881 through the collaborative efforts of Edgar Degas and Vicomte Ludovic Lepic. This innovative piece is classified as a print, utilizing the unique process of monotype executed in black ink on laid paper. To achieve greater tonal variation, depth, and specific highlights, the image was further enhanced-or "heightened"-and corrected using white chalk or wash applied manually to the paper after printing.

The monotype technique, where an image is drawn directly onto a plate and typically yields only one strong impression, allows for a fluidity rarely seen in conventional prints. This technique was intensively explored by Degas during the 1870s, making it a pivotal period for his experimentation with spontaneous drawing. Lepic, a fellow artist and enthusiastic promoter of printmaking innovation, often worked alongside Degas, contributing to a distinctive output that blurred the lines between graphic art and drawing.

The application of white chalk or wash over the initial black ink monotype impression serves not only as correction but also as a way to manipulate light and density, adding a sculptural quality to the depicted figure. This focus on the exacting role of the titular ballet master captures the private, rigorous world of dance rehearsal, a central theme in Degas’s oeuvre. This work exemplifies the experimental spirit of French art during the period spanning 1851 to 1875 and beyond, showcasing a commitment to observing and rendering modern life. Today, this exceptional example of 19th-century French prints is preserved in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Rooted in the visual culture of the Third Republic, high-quality reproductions of this artwork are often available in the public domain.