Ballet Dancers
1877
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1877
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Ballet Dancers is a 1877 gouache by Edgar Degas, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows two ballet dancers mid-movement, one with arms raised and the other bent forward. Their costumes are orange and blue, and the background looks like a stage with a curtain. The brushstrokes are loose and quick, with patches of color blending together. The dancers’ poses suggest they’re in the middle of a rehearsal or performance. The painting feels alive, with energy in every stroke. If you like this style, check out pastel to see how artists use soft, colored chalk for bold effects.
