Harlequin and Columbine by Degas

This colorful work by Degas Edgar, temporarily entitled “Harlequin and Columbine”, testifies to his fascination for the world of theater and belongs fully to the impressionist and realist movement. The artist features two characters from the Italian comedy captured in mid-performance. Through this theatrical composition, the painter explores the dynamic movement and the dramatic tension that unite the actors’ bodies on the stage.

On the left of the stage, a Harlequin dressed in a tight costume with multicolored diamonds of orange, green, yellow and blue advances vigorously while brandishing a mock sword. His face masked in black, he reaches out his right arm to firmly grasp the shoulder of Columbine who tries to escape him. The latter, dressed in a vaporeux tutu of bright ultramarine blue heightened with gold motifs and blue stockings, turns away her pensive face in a particularly graceful posture of flight. In the background, a rustic stage set represents stylized trees in beautiful green, red and golden autumn shades under artificial stage lighting.

The technical virtuosity of the artist shines in the handling of pastel, which gives an extraordinary vibration to the hues and fabrics. The striking contrast between Harlequin’s geometric patterns and the lightness of Columbine’s tutu demonstrates an absolute mastery of materials and a great sensitivity for suspended movement.