On the Stage

Degas pastel of a ballerina in a blue-green tutu performing on stage with corps de ballet in the background

Hilaire Germain Edgar Degas

A ballerina in a shimmering blue-green tutu commands the stage while the corps de ballet moves in shadow behind her. Degas captures the artificial theater lighting and the dancer's poised concentration through his masterful use of pastel over monotype. The asymmetrical composition draws viewers into the wings, offering an intimate backstage perspective that was revolutionary for its time. This work exemplifies Degas's transformation of figurative art by presenting performers as working artists rather than idealized subjects.