When a canvas looks like a photograph - Degas' dance class [ANALYSIS] 

We are in the middle of the 19th century and in the middle of a dance lesson we sneak in to act as spectators. It's not a real journey through time but certainly an interesting way to relive the life of a dancer at the Paris Opéra in one of the most beautiful works related to the world of dance ever. Today we discover Degas' Dance Lesson from 1871.
From the piano on the left to the end of the room, the girls are lined up in a somewhat messy but perfect way at the same time. So that we can observe all. The seemingly random composition was actually super organized by Degas. Indeed, the X-rays of the painting indicate that some figures were moved from one position to another until the artist achieved the perfect degree of balance and the right atmosphere.
Degas always devoted some attention and study to his works with female dancers. He has made several paintings featuring the girls of the Paris Opéra who perform on stage. But at the same time he always preferred to perform them in the more relaxed setting of the rehearsal room, where he was a frequent visitor.
Although the painting seems relaxed and informal, Degas has a constant habit of perfecting his work once back in his studio. In its apparent spontaneity and realism, the work resembles a photograph.
At the center of the scene, the dance master leans on his cane, perhaps to rest. The lesson seems to have just finished and the master is the protagonist of the scene. It is thought that the master is still giving the last indications to some of his students due to the position of the dancer on the threshold of the door, to the left of the work.
In the foreground on the left a dancer with a large green bow has her back to us. She seems to be in a relaxed position, she is following what is happening in the room like us.
The view through the door frame draws our gaze beyond the rehearsal space to the next room. Widen the scene and give a feeling of more space.
Each dancer represented seems to be performing an action, in pairs or alone they are all doing something. Some remarry, others chat. The magic that seems apparent in this work was actually much studied by Degas. In fact, the composition is based on lines that start from the right, from the master and at various heights all converge on the left outside the canvas.
But the most interesting thing is that Degas's Dance Lesson is a contemporary scene that pays homage to the traditional art style. In fact, Degas loves the techniques and drawings of ancient art. As a young man he spent much time in the Louvre, studying and copying masterpieces by painters such as Velázquez.
And the main themes of his works up to the age of twenty are linked to myths or historical events. Until he begins to make scenes from the life of nineteenth-century Parisian society.
Among other things, he is a great photography enthusiast. He studies this technique and tools. And he is above all fascinated by the final result. The dance lesson is a clear example of this in particular in visually cutting the edges of the work.
In the work, the girls in general seem to have been caught off guard and their gestures and expressions are very natural. Degas achieves this effect thanks to his drawing skills and his sense of composition. But actually he employs he He also employs other tricks to suggest movement. For example, small bright red spots.
And he is the only Impressionist who is successful from the beginning and, although he remains quite detached from the group, he exhibits in their group shows. Other Impressionists like him because he tries to convey a sense of movement and spontaneity in his work.
Born in Paris into a wealthy and cultured family, Degas decided to become an artist at 18 after studying law. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts with Louis Lamothe, a former pupil of the French classical painter Ingres and like many other French artists, his studies of him led him to visit Italy, where he lived for three years. In 1861 he met Édouard Manet who introduced him to a group of artists shortly after famous as impressionists. From there the artist and the works we love are born.
00:00 Intro
00:31 The dance
02:22 details
05:18 Composition
06:13 Works
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Art and the Cities is my personal art and travel blog and RU-vid channel. Or rather of art trips. I'm not only talking about art history but also about travel, museums, galleries, the art market, love stories, books, exhibitions and much more.
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Soon,
Clelia
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