Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys

Edgar Degas

Created:
Movement:
c. 1860
Neoclassicism
key Notes:
Classical Antiquity, Gender Dynamics
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Dimensions:
97.4 × 140 cm (38 5/16 × 55 1/8 in.); Framed: 130.2 × 162.6 × 11.8 cm (51 1/4 × 64 × 4 5/8 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys by Edgar Degas

Edgar Degas, a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement, created "Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys" around 1860 using oil on canvas. This painting reflects Degas' interest in classical themes and his academic training, as it depicts a scene from ancient Sparta, showcasing his fascination with historical and mythological subjects. The work is notable for its dynamic composition and the way it captures the physicality and energy of youth, which was a departure from the more static and formal compositions of earlier academic art. Degas' exploration of movement and human form in this painting foreshadows his later focus on dancers and everyday life, which became central themes in his oeuvre. Although Degas is often associated with Impressionism, this early work demonstrates his grounding in traditional techniques and his ability to blend them with innovative approaches. The painting is an important example of Degas' transitional phase, bridging his classical training with his emerging modernist sensibilities.

Description of the work:

Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys by Edgar Degas

Created circa 1860, Edgar Degas' "Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys" is an oil on canvas painting that depicts a scene of youthful interaction and competition in ancient Sparta, reflecting the artist's interest in classical themes and dynamic compositions. The artwork is characterized by its use of vibrant colors and expressive figures, showcasing Degas' early exploration of movement and form.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys