Portrait of Mlle Fiocre in the Ballet La Source by Degas

This large narrative composition belongs to the early period of the artist Edgar Degas, heavily influenced by his neoclassical studies and mythological or biblical readings. Through the artwork temporarily titled “Portrait of Mlle Fiocre in the Ballet La Source”, the painter orchestrates a choreographic and mysterious scene in the heart of nature. This ambitious work shows his essential technical transition, where the rigor of academic drawing begins to soften to welcome off-center compositions that herald the Impressionist movement.

In the center, a restless bay horse drinks calmly from a dark body of water that faithfully reflects the scene. Around the animal, three brunette women with long hair adopt pensive postures. On the left, one of them in an ochre dress holds a stringed instrument, while by her side, a companion in blue-lilac drapery and an intricate headpiece rests her head on her hand. In the right foreground, the third figure sits on a white cloth, dressed in a heavy embroidered red cape. The background consists of a steep, craggy rock wall in grey and earthy tones. A soft, raking light models the bodies and makes the surface of the water vibrate.

The craftsmanship of oil painting is manifested in the harmony of muted pigments and the treatment of aquatic reflections. His technical mastery allows him to unite human and animal figures in a timeless atmosphere. Edgar Degas signs here a work of great plastic poetry.