Art History on Edgar Degas: Sculpture?
I discuss a lot of things on this blog from my writing, other authors and great books to my favorite shows (all of which inspire me), but lately I’ve been neglectful of discussing visual art. So, fellow Fine Art lovers, this is for you =)
This may be my own misconception, but it seems like Degas is best known for his paintings (which are beautiful). While his portrayal of dancer’s on canvas in lovely pale colors with translucent skirts is wonderful, I also love his sculpture entitled The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer.
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| The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer; cast in 1922 from a mixed-media sculpture modeled ca. 1879–80 Edgar Degas (French, 1834–1917) Bronze, partly tinted, with cotton skirt and satin hair ribbon, on a wooden baseMedium Detail and Photo Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
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| The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer; cast in 1922 from a mixed-media sculpture modeled ca. 1879–80 Edgar Degas (French, 1834–1917) Bronze, partly tinted, with cotton skirt and satin hair ribbon, on a wooden baseMedium Detail and Photo Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
Every piece of art captivates it’s viewer differently. I have read from many sources that Degas was aiming to portray not only the girl’s hope and aspirations of growing into a seasoned delicate ballerina, but also the awkward transitions from youth to adulthood of which she was undergoing. I feel he captured that well.
For me though, his added choice of mixed media truly makes this creation more believable, more alive. In his time, deciding to use an actual cotton material for her skirt and a real satin bow in her hair may have seemed odd. I am so glad he did it though. Those extra organic touches to an already detailed subject make this one of my favorite sculptures.
On a final note, here is my favorite angle of this sculpture:
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| The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer; cast in 1922 from a mixed-media sculpture modeled ca. 1879–80 Edgar Degas (French, 1834–1917) Bronze, partly tinted, with cotton skirt and satin hair ribbon, on a wooden baseMedium Detail and Photo Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
My questions for you:
Is there any further information about this piece or Degas you want to add? I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts. Having been a dancer for many years, I know this piece even summons some nostalgia for me… can anyone relate? Of course, I would just be thrilled even to know what’s on your minds in general today.
Thanks for stopping by.
Emilyann
