Edgar DegasFrench, 1834–1917On the Stage
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Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
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About the work
Edgar Degas depicts seven dancers performing in a ballet. The gestures of the women’s raised arms and feet capture the actions, forms, and poses of the corps de ballet (the ensemble, or chorus, of a ballet company that performs in groups). To heighten the sense of motion and spectacle, Degas smudged the edges of the forms where the dancers’ dresses meet the stage.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
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- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — CC0 / public domain (AIC image API)
Meanwhile, in the life of Edgar Degas
The whole life1870s
From “de Gas” back to plain “Degas”
The archives disproved the legend of an ancient noble line: the artist's paternal ancestors were bakers, and the name “de Gas” was invented by his father, who commissioned a false genealogy. In the 1870s Edgar returned to the plain spelling, Degas.
1873–1874
His brother's debts: he sells his house and collection
After his father's death Degas learned that his brother René had run up enormous business debts. To save the family's reputation he sold his house and an inherited art collection and for the first time in his life depended on sales of his own work.
1874
The first Impressionist exhibition
Disenchanted with the Salon, Degas joined a group of young artists organizing an independent exhibiting society. He took a leading role in organizing the eight shows of 1874–1886 and exhibited in all but one, despite constant conflicts with the group.
13 February 1874
Goncourt notes Degas's laundresses and dancers
Edmond de Goncourt wrote in his diary that Degas had chosen laundresses and dancers as his chief modern subjects, finding in their fabrics an occasion for light and delicate tones. After visiting the studio he called Degas the man who best caught the soul of modern life.
1877
Friendship with Mary Cassatt
Degas invited Mary Cassatt to show in the third Impressionist exhibition, having admired her portrait “Ida” at the Salon of 1874. He introduced her to pastel and engraving, while she helped him sell paintings and promoted his reputation in the United States.
autumn 1879 – April 1880
The prints journal: Degas abruptly withdraws
In the autumn and winter of 1879–1880 Degas and Cassatt worked closely together on a prints journal; he owned a small printing press. In April 1880 Degas abruptly withdrew, and without his support the project folded.
