Dancers Practicing at the Barre

Edgar Degas

Created:
Movement:
1877
Impressionism
key Notes:
Ballet Rehearsal; Impressionist Movement
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Dimensions:
29 3/4 x 32 in. (75.6 x 81.3 cm)
medium:
Mixed media on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Dancers Practicing at the Barre" is an oil on canvas painting by French artist Edgar Degas, created in 1877. The work depicts a group of ballet dancers engaged in practice at the barre, a common training tool in ballet studios. Degas is known for his innovative compositions and use of unusual viewpoints, which are evident in this piece. The painting reflects his fascination with movement and the human form, particularly in the context of ballet. Degas often portrayed dancers, capturing both their grace and the rigors of their training. The work is characterized by its loose brushwork and emphasis on light and shadow, typical of Degas's style during this period. "Dancers Practicing at the Barre" is part of the collection at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The exact circumstances of its creation and the specific models used are unknown.

Description of the work:

"Dancers Practicing at the Barre," created by Edgar Degas in 1877, depicts a group of ballet dancers engaged in practice at a barre. The composition features several figures, primarily women, in various poses that emphasize movement and grace. Degas employs a muted color palette dominated by soft pinks, whites, and browns, which enhances the delicate nature of the dancers' tutus and skin tones. The use of mixed media on canvas allows for a textured surface that captures the light and shadow across the dancers' forms. The arrangement of the figures creates a sense of depth, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. Degas's characteristic attention to the human form is evident in the anatomical precision and fluidity of the dancers' poses. The background is less defined, focusing attention on the dancers and their interaction with the barre. Overall, the painting encapsulates the dynamic energy of ballet practice while showcasing Degas's innovative approach to capturing movement and form.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Dancers Practicing at the Barre