Artwork
Portrait of Mlle Fiocre in the Ballet "La Source"
Portrait of Mlle Fiocre in the Ballet "La Source" is an oil painting by the Realist artist Edgar Degas. It dates from 1867 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Edgar Degas's 1867 oil painting, Portrait of Mlle Fiocre in the Ballet 'La Source', captures a scene from the ballet 'La Source', featuring three female figures in a dimly lit forest setting.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, likely Eugénie Fiocre, wears a distinctive light blue dress and ornate hat, holding a staff.
The central figure, likely Eugénie Fiocre, wears a distinctive light blue dress and ornate hat, holding a staff. Her prominence suggests she is the main subject. The scene may depict a pivotal moment from 'La Source', a ballet known for its exotic and romantic themes, with Fiocre possibly portraying the role of a nymph or a character associated with a mystical or natural element, given the forest backdrop.
Technique & Style
Characterized by thick brushstrokes and a muted color palette dominated by dark greens and earthy tones, the painting conveys a sense of mystery and depth. The contrast between the central figure's light attire and the dark, textured background enhances her visibility.
History & Provenance
Created in 1867, the painting is part of the collection at the Brooklyn Museum.
Context
'La Source' was a popular ballet during the mid-19th century, known for its elaborate costumes and settings. Degas's depiction reflects his interest in capturing the beauty and drama of ballet, a common theme in his work.
Legacy
While not as widely reproduced as some of Degas's other ballet-themed works, this painting remains a notable example of his ability to convey the essence of a performance through subdued, yet effective, composition and color choice.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas on 19 July 1834 in Paris, Edgar Degas came from an affluent banking family with aristocratic roots and spent his childhood among the cultivated circles of the French capital.
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