At the Café-Concert des Ambassadeurs by Degas

This superb dynamic composition is part of the famous series of café-concert representations created by the realist artist Degas Edgar. Linked to the Impressionist movement, this original work entitled “At the Café-Concert des Ambassadeurs” captures the excitement of Parisian night life at the end of the nineteenth century. The artist modernly restores the atmosphere of popular theater halls, mixing the stage and the intimacy of the audience.

The painting shows a cabaret singer in a reddish dress singing on stage, seen in profile as she steps forward with enthusiasm towards her audience. In the foreground on the left, an elegant female spectator sitting in her box holds a large blue paper fan that harmoniously closes the composition. In the distance, a second backing artist can be guessed under the diffuse light of round electric globes illuminating the dark hall. The ceiling is crossed by luminous diagonals of orange and yellow, representing the projection of artificial stage lighting. A vertical post subtly separates the stage from the audience space.

Degas Edgar shows a prodigious know-how in rendering artificial light and nocturnal decors. His presence of unusual framing and asymmetry breathes a new energy into this composition. This creation attests to his genius in representing the urban modernity of his time.