The Star or Dancer on Stage by Degas

Capturing the climax and fleeting grace of an Opera ballet, this legendary composition by Degas Edgar, associated with the Impressionist movement, stands under the title of “The Star or Dancer on Stage” within his work. The painter chooses to represent the magical moment of bowing under the spotlight, contrasting with the mysterious darkness of the backstage. This masterpiece illustrates his fascination with live performance and his constant search for new perspectives on modernity.

The ballerina leaps on the right side of the ochre diagonal stage floor, suspended mid-flight with her left arm stretched towards the top of the image. She wears a vaporous white tutu adorned with delicate orange flowers at her waist and bodice, a red flower pinning her brown hair swept up in a bun. In the left background, two other dancers in light tutus are sketched in profile, while a man in a black suit, a privileged spectator or subscriber, hides in the gloom of the dark green scenery. The bright light from the footlights intensely illuminates the sheer tutu.

This work celebrates the artist’s unique craftsmanship through a mixed media technique of pastel on monotype. This bold superposition gives a rich and vibrant texture to the material while mastering the complex plays of light reflections with exceptional technical virtuosity.